The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) announced the revocation of security clearance for all employees of Celebi Airport Services
Operations at key Indian airports remained unhindered despite the abrupt revocation of security clearance of Celebi, a large Turkish aviation services firm.
On Thursday evening, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) announced the revocation of security clearance for all employees of Celebi Airport Services, citing ‘security risks’.
Though the BCAS does not outline the reasons clearly, the revocation of security clearance has come in response to the statements by the Turkish government that condemned Indian action in Pakistan during the recent
conflict where India had launched attacks on terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir in response to the massacre of 26 civilians at Pahalgam by unidentified terrorists.
The revocation of Celebi’s security clearance is one of the several actions undertaken by the Indian government and some educational institutions that have suspended cooperation with Turkish universities.
Celebi Airport Services operates at nine of the busiest airports of the country, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kannur, Chennai and the Manohar International Airport (MOPA) airport in Goa.
The decision was announced by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) government officials assured the public that contingency plans were in place to minimise disruption.
According to some reports, airport operators such as the GMR Group in Delhi and Adani Group in Mumbai have already begun collaborating with other ground handling providers to ensure continuity of services.
With over 10,000 employees spread across its Indian operations, Celebi, a Turkish multinational with a major presence in India since 2008, handles more than 58,000 flights and 540,000 tonnes of cargo annually. Its services, which include ramp services, cargo management and passenger assistance, are essential to the efficient operation of both domestic and international flights. Since the impacted airports are vital transit hubs for millions of passengers annually, the sudden cancellation of its licence raised concerns about operational continuity.
For passengers and airlines, the primary worry was the potential for flight delays and cancellations, especially at the major hubs of Delhi and Mumbai, where the role of Celebi was most prominent.
However, instead of a major disruption that was feared, there was minimal impact at most airports.
“I definitely see it has caused a bit of a stir. Even in Delhi and Mumbai, which are the major airports, there has been noticeable concern among travellers. Since the news just came in yesterday, I have already spoken to two or three clients, and even now, more are reaching out. The main worry is about possible delays or cancellations, especially at Delhi and Mumbai airports, which are key transit points. Right now, the impact seems short-term. Authorities are definitely working to ensure continuity and minimise disruption,” Meha Vashi, Founder and Director of Nivalink, a Mumbai-based travel agency, tells India Outbound.
“We are advising clients that the situation is being managed proactively and that airport authorities are supporting operations to avoid major issues. Some clients have contacted us with concerns, particularly about delays or cancellations at these airports. Their primary question is whether their travel plans will be affected. We are telling them to wait and watch, as the authorities are taking steps to ensure things run smoothly. For now, there is a bit of uncertainty, but we expect the situation to stabilise soon,” Vashi adds.
Industry insiders are closely monitoring the situation, but many are confident that the government’s proactive measures will prevent any major fallout for travellers or airlines.
“Regarding Celebi’s license being revoked, the situation at the concerned airports remains normal. There has been no impact so far, and all our clients are travelling as usual. There have been no disruptions or issues reported. It is likely that the government will appoint an Indian firm to ensure continuity, as they cannot afford any disruptions in airport operations,” Sudhakar Gautam, Chief Enchanter, Enchanting Escapes, tells India Outbound.
As the transition unfolds, the consensus among travel experts is that while there may be some short-term adjustments, the aviation sector of India is well-equipped to handle the challenge.
“It is not affecting anything as we have many companies to cover the ground staff services. It will affect the Turkish company,” Dalip Gupta, Director, DGS Travel House, a travel agency based in Delhi tells India Outbound.
Passengers are being advised to stay updated but not to panic, as authorities and industry stakeholders work together to ensure a smooth travel experience in the days ahead.
Although there may be some uncertainty in the immediate aftermath, industry experts think that any long-term disruption should be avoided due to the government’s prompt response and the availability of substitute ground handling agencies.
Unconfirmed reports do suggest minor delays at Mumbai airport and a significant issue at MOPA Airport in Goa, largely because Celebi is the sole grounding handling firm at that airport. The situation is being monitored and regular updates would be provided.
According to reports, the government is helping Celebi’s employees transfer to other organisations in an effort to ensure a smooth handover. As the situation develops at some of the busiest airports of India, passengers are urged to remain informed and enquire with their airlines for any updates.
"
