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India to review Turkey-based Celebi Aviations airport contracts

by Trans World Features | @twfindia 15 May 2025, 06:12 am

New Delhi: In the aftermath of Pakistan’s military confrontation with India, government sources suggest India is likely to review contracts awarded to Turkey-based Celebi Aviation, which operates ground and cargo handling at nine major airports, including Delhi and Mumbai.

Though no official timeline has been confirmed, sources indicate the review will begin with financial and operational relationships where national security is directly involved—areas Celebi’s operations fall under, News18 reported.

A source had earlier told the news organisation that India could consider severing trade ties with Turkey “should it come to this,” citing Ankara’s support to a “terror state.”

Celebi Aviation, which started operations in India in 2008, currently handles over 58,000 flights and 540,000 tonnes of cargo annually through its two entities: Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd and Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India Pvt Ltd.

The firm’s scope includes ground handling, cargo and warehouse operations, flight support, and general aviation services.

It employs about 7,800 personnel across airports in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, Ahmedabad, Goa, and Kannur.

The spotlight turned harsher after reports confirmed Turkey’s support to Pakistan during the conflict, including the deployment of Bayraktar drones.

Defence analyst Abhijit Iyer-Mitra told News18 the matter has severe national security implications.

He alleged that around 10% of Celebi is suspected to be owned by Sumeyye Erdoğan, daughter of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and wife of Selçuk Bayraktar—the developer of the drones used by Pakistan.

“The Celebi terminal in Delhi overlooks the VVIP technical area, where electronic intelligence aircraft are stationed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s VIP aircraft comes in the vicinity. I don’t need to spell out that this is alarming,” Iyer-Mitra said.

Adding to the pressure is a growing political chorus, on Monday, Shiv Sena leader Murji Patel led a delegation to the Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), demanding an end to its association with Celebi NAS Airport Services, which manages around 70% of ground handling at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.

Patel issued a 10-day ultimatum, warning of protests if the contract isn’t scrapped.

Commenting on social media, aviation consultant Sanjay Lazar said Celebi received its security clearance under the UPA government after the 26/11 attacks.

He claimed many aviation unions, especially those aligned with the Shiv Sena under the late Balasaheb Thackeray, had long opposed Celebi’s presence.

“Every time the issue came up, they tried to cover up their Turkish ownership,” Lazar alleged.

With geopolitical and national security concerns rising, Celebi’s future in India is now under scrutiny.

Government officials are expected to evaluate all engagements with Turkish entities linked to critical infrastructure, beginning with those involving sensitive assets and operations.