In a sweeping development that intertwines aviation, diplomacy, and national interest, Adani Airport Holdings has officially called off its collaboration with Turkish ground-handling operator Celebi at two of India’s major airports — Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
This decision, announced on Thursday, follows the Indian government’s revocation of security clearance for Celebi Airport Services India Ltd. The formal order was issued on 15 May by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security under the Civil Aviation Ministry, citing security-related concerns.
Celebi, a branch of the Turkish conglomerate Celebi Aviation Holding, has been directed to hand over all ground-handling infrastructure at both airports to Adani with immediate effect. “Following the Government of India’s decision to revoke Celebi’s security clearance, we have terminated the ground handling concession agreements with Celebi at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport,” said spokespersons from the two airports. “Accordingly, Celebi has been directed to immediately hand over to us all ground handling facilities to ensure uninterrupted operations.”
In a reassuring move, Adani confirmed that all current employees of Celebi at both airports will be smoothly transitioned to new agencies, retaining their existing roles, pay, and benefits. “All existing employees of Celebi at CSMIA and SVPIA will be transferred to the new ground handling agencies on their existing terms and conditions of employment,” spokespersons added. They also noted that operational continuity will not be impacted and services will remain stable. “Ground handling operations at our airports will remain unaffected. We are fully committed to upholding the highest standards of service and national interest.”
This action emerges amid rising diplomatic friction in South Asia, particularly following the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s ensuing Operation Sindoor. Turkey’s vocal support for Pakistan has stirred criticism in India, placing Turkish affiliations under greater scrutiny.
Celebi’s influence in India is significant, operating in nine airports including Delhi, Cochin, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Goa. It also manages air cargo operations at the Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal. Earlier, a similar decision was made by Delhi International Airport, which ended its contract with Celebi, again citing national security.
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