18 hours Ago
File photo NEW DELHI: Turkish-origin firm Celebi Airport Services India , which handled ground handling operations at various airports in India, including in the capital, approached the Delhi high court on Friday challenging the decision of aviation watchdog BCAS to revoke its security clearance in the “interest of national security”. The plea questions the move to act against the firm on “vague” national security concerns , a decision taken by govt days after Türkiye backed Pakistan and condemned India's strikes on terror camps in the neighbouring country. It is likely to be taken up for hearing next week.
Celebi, operating in the Indian aviation sector for over 15 years and employing over 10,000 people, offers its services at nine airports. According to sources, it argued that the Indian govt’s decision to revoke its security clearance, which provides airport ground handling services across India, will jeopardise thousands of jobs and threaten investor confidence. Celebi maintains that its operations in India are independent and professionally governed, distancing itself from any political affiliations.
It is likely to seek an urgent stay, arguing that mere rhetoric of national security can’t be a ground to take such action as govt’s move fails to reveal grounds or reasons why such an action is called for and gives no justification. Following the revocation of Celebi NAS Airport Services’ security clearance, Union civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu assured that efforts are underway to retain employees. A press release from the civil aviation ministry stated that BCAS revoked Celebi's security clearance on grounds related to national security.
Govt reaffirmed its commitment to national security, passenger convenience, and uninterrupted cargo operations while managing the fallout from the decision. The firm handles around 58,000 flights and 540,000 tonnes of cargo annually in India, according to its website. It is present at Mumbai, Delhi, Cochin, Kannur, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Goa, Ahmedabad, and Chennai airports.
In a statement issued earlier, Celebi Aviation India said it remains in full compliance with Indian aviation, national security, and tax regulations, and operates with complete transparency. It rejected all allegations regarding the company's ownership and operations in India and reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to the country's aviation sector..
