In a landmark hearing that underscores India’s heightened security vigilance, the Delhi High Court on Monday upheld the government’s decision to revoke the security clearance of Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd, a Turkish firm operating critical ground handling and cargo services at nine major Indian airports. The court’s observation—“better safe than sorry”—reflects the gravity of national security concerns driving the abrupt termination of Celebi’s operations, a move triggered by Turkey’s vocal support for Pakistan during recent India-Pakistan tensions. As Celebi’s plea for reinstatement hangs in the balance, the case exposes the intricate interplay of diplomacy, security, and commerce in a geopolitically charged landscape, raising questions about foreign firms’ roles in India’s sensitive sectors.
Celebi, a Turkish aviation giant with over 15 years of operations in India, was a linchpin at airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Goa, Cochin, and Kannur, handling 58,000 flights and 5.4 lakh tonnes of cargo annually while employing over 10,000 workers. On May 15, 2025, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) issued a one-line order revoking Celebi’s clearance, citing “national security” imperatives. The decision, which halted the firm’s ground handling and cargo terminal functions, followed Turkey’s condemnation of India’s counter-terrorism strikes in Pakistan under Operation Sindoor, a response to the deadly Pahalgam attack in April 2025 that killed 26 people. Turkey’s backing of Pakistan, including its alleged supply of armed drones used in the conflict, inflamed diplomatic tensions, prompting India to act decisively.
The Delhi High Court, presided over by Justice Sachin Datta, heard two petitions from Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd and Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India Pvt Ltd, challenging the BCAS’s decision as arbitrary and economically devastating. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the government, defended the revocation, arguing that intelligence inputs—submitted in a sealed envelope to protect sensitive details—indicated significant risks in allowing Celebi to continue. “The enemy can try 10 times and succeed once; the country must succeed every time,” Mehta told the court, emphasizing the high stakes of airport operations, where personnel access “every nook and cranny” of critical infrastructure.
Celebi’s legal team, led by senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, countered that the firm had operated flawlessly for 17 years, managing thousands of employees without incident since receiving security clearance in November 2022. Rohatgi argued that the revocation, driven by “public perception” of Celebi’s Turkish ownership, lacked justification and violated due process, as no prior notice or hearing was provided. “We’re not rogue companies; one stroke shouldn’t dismantle our business,” he said, highlighting the impact on 10,000 jobs and the aviation sector’s stability. He urged the court to consider Celebi’s majority ownership by international investors from Canada, the US, and Europe, with only 15% held by a Dutch entity, distancing it from direct Turkish control.
The court’s cautious stance reflects the broader context of India’s deteriorating relations with Turkey. Following Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror camps in Pakistan, Turkey’s public support for Pakistan and criticism of India’s actions—coupled with reports of Turkish drones deployed by Pakistan—sparked a diplomatic firestorm. India’s decision to expel a Pakistani High Commission official on May 13 for espionage further escalated tensions, framing Celebi’s revocation as part of a wider crackdown on perceived security threats. The government’s submission of classified documents in a sealed cover underscores the sensitivity of the intelligence, with Mehta arguing that public disclosure could compromise national sovereignty.
The revocation’s ripple effects are profound. Celebi’s operations, which handled check-in luggage, cargo, and ramp services, were abruptly reassigned to Indian firms like AISATS and IndoThai, with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) overseeing cargo at 69 airports until May 21. Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport and Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport reported smooth transitions, with Celebi’s 7,800-strong workforce partially absorbed by new operators. However, the sudden halt cost Celebi dearly, with its parent company’s shares plummeting 20% on the Istanbul Stock Exchange, wiping out 222 points to 2,002 lira by May 16.
Critics of the government’s decision argue it prioritizes political optics over economic pragmatism. Celebi’s Indian operations, led by local management and employing thousands of Indian citizens, were a cornerstone of the aviation sector, contributing to efficient airport logistics. The revocation threatens investor confidence, particularly for foreign firms in sensitive industries, and could disrupt supply chains reliant on Celebi’s cargo handling. “This sets a worrying precedent,” said aviation analyst Priya Sharma, noting that national security claims must be balanced against transparent due process. She questioned whether the intelligence inputs specifically implicated Celebi or merely reflected anti-Turkey sentiment fueled by the India-Pakistan conflict.
Supporters, however, see the move as a bold assertion of India’s sovereignty. The aviation sector, with its access to critical infrastructure, is a prime target for espionage or sabotage, especially amid heightened tensions. “Airports are gateways to the nation; we can’t take risks,” said retired Air Marshal Anil Gupta, citing Turkey’s military ties with Pakistan, including drone supplies. The government’s swift action aligns with public calls to boycott Turkish goods, a sentiment amplified by political leaders like Shiv Sena, which demanded Mumbai airport sever ties with Celebi.
The case also highlights systemic challenges in India’s security clearance process. Celebi’s clearance, granted in 2022, was revoked without public explanation, raising questions about the BCAS’s decision-making transparency. Legal experts argue that while national security is paramount, the Aircraft Security Rules mandate a fair hearing, which Celebi claims was denied. Justice Datta’s query—whether the court can review such decisions or if prior notice is mandatory—signals a potential precedent for balancing security and due process. The next hearing, scheduled for May 21, could clarify these issues, with implications for foreign businesses in India.
Beyond the courtroom, the revocation reflects India’s broader geopolitical strategy. Turkey’s alignment with Pakistan, a longstanding adversary, has strained bilateral ties, with India’s boycott calls targeting Turkish firms and tourism. The Celebi case may deter other foreign entities from operating in sensitive sectors, prompting a shift toward Indian-led consortiums like IndoThai. Yet, this risks economic isolation, as global aviation relies on multinational partnerships. “India must tread carefully,” said economist Rajesh Kumar, warning that blanket bans could chill foreign investment.
For now, Celebi’s future in India hangs in limbo, its operations replaced by local players amid a diplomatic storm. The Delhi High Court’s ruling could redefine how India navigates national security in a globalized economy, with Celebi’s 10,000 employees and millions of passengers watching closely. Nuzpost will continue to follow this high-stakes saga, exploring its impact on India’s airports, workforce, and foreign relations.
