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The development comes after BCAS revoked Çelebi’s security clearance after Turkey’s vocal support for Pakistan following India’s strikes on terror camps.
Bengaluru follows Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad in cutting ties with Çelebi. (Representative Image: AFP/File)
Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (BIAL) has moved its ground-handling operations away from Turkish company Çelebi Airport Services Pvt Ltd, marking the fourth major Indian airport to sever ties following a national security directive. The transition comes in the wake of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) order on May 15 revoking Çelebi’s security clearance after Turkey’s vocal support for Pakistan following India’s strikes on terror camps.
Following the move, shares of Celebi Hava Servisi AS on May 16 crashed 10 per cent in Istanbul.
“In compliance with a directive from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), Government of India, Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) has transitioned its ground handling operations from Çelebi Airport Services Pvt Ltd to other existing service providers to ensure continuity and operational stability,” BIAL said.
The airport added that it is working closely with all aviation stakeholders and government authorities to “maintain seamless operations throughout this period of transition”.
Bengaluru follows Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad in cutting ties with Çelebi. Delhi International Airport was first to announce the end of its partnership, shifting its passenger and cargo handling to AISATS and Bird Group, and onboarding pre-approved handlers to avoid disruptions. Adani Airport Holdings subsequently ended Çelebi’s contracts at Mumbai’s CSMIA and Ahmedabad’s SVPIA, directing an immediate handover of ground-handling facilities.
Çelebi has been a major player at key Indian airports, offering passenger services, ramp and cargo handling, and warehouse management. With its clearance withdrawn and operations being reallocated, the Turkish firm faces mounting setbacks in one of its largest overseas markets.
What Is Celebi Aviation?
Founded in 1958, Celebi Aviation is the first privately-owned ground handling company in Turkey’s aviation sector. The company now operates in over 70 airports globally, offering a wide range of services including:
- Passenger handling and wheelchair assistance
- Ramp and cargo services
- Flight operations and load control
- Airport lounge and bridge operations
- Warehouse and postal services.
Celebi entered the Indian market through a joint venture at Mumbai International Airport and later expanded under three separate entities. It registered as Celebi Airport Services India for ground handling and Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India for cargo operations.
In India, the company provides crucial aviation services, such as passenger and general aviation services, cargo and warehouse operations, ramp handling and bridge management.
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