India Revokes Security Clearance Of Turkish Aviation Firm Celebi Amid Row Over Ankara’s Support To Pakistan

India on Thursday revoked the security clearance of Celebi Aviation, a Turkish firm that provides ground handling services for passengers and cargo at several Indian airports. The decision, dated May 15, was made "in the interest of national security."

This move follows a recent strain in India-Turkey relations, after Ankara expressed support for Islamabad and criticised Indian armed forces' Operation Sindoor, which was launched in retaliation for the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam.

Photo Credit: ANI

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) issued the revocation order, withdrawing the clearance previously granted to Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd on November 21, 2022, under the Ground Handling Agency category, reported India Today.

Celebi Aviation plays a key role in high-security operations at nine major airports across India, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai.

The company is involved in crucial activities such as ground handling, cargo services, and airside operations - all considered sensitive due to the tightly controlled nature of airport environments.

Just days ago, Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel had written to the Chief Airport Officer, demanding the revocation of Celebi's operational clearance.

"Turkey's support to Pakistan raises grave concerns, especially when Turkish government-affiliated companies continue to operate within India's most sensitive infrastructure zones," he said.

Public Backlash Over Turkey's Support for Pakistan

There has been a surge in public outrage after both Turkey and Azerbaijan backed Pakistan and condemned India's military actions against terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The strikes, conducted under Operation Sindoor on 7 May, were a response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians.

Reports suggest that Turkey provided military assistance, including drones, to Pakistan during the conflict. This has sparked particular anger in India, as the country had previously extended significant aid to Turkey during the 2023 earthquakes.

Calls to boycott Turkish goods and tourism have intensified. Travel platforms such as EaseMyTrip, MakeMyTrip, and Ixigo have issued advisories urging Indians to avoid non-essential travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan. Go Homestays has also severed its partnership with Turkish Airlines, citing "national interest."

Indian traders have begun cutting down imports of Turkish products, including apples and marble. Trade analysts caution that this diplomatic fallout could further impact bilateral economic ties.