Govt withdraws security nod to Turkish handler at 9 airports

NEW DELHI: Citing the “interest of national security”, Modi govt on Thursday revoked security clearance to Turkish ground service provider Celebi and its associated companies, in a move that will impact the security-sensitive ground handling services provided by the company at nine airports, both passenger and cargo terminals.

“Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has revoked the security clearance of Celebi and its associated companies on grounds related to national security . Nothing is above the security of our nation and our fellow citizens. National interest and public safety are paramount and non-negotiable. Efforts being made to ensure that employees working with Celebi are retained and continue to contribute and ensure seamless handling of passengers and cargo at all affected airports,” Union aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu said.

Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd and two other Celebi companies in India provide ground handling in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Goa, Cochin and Kannur airports. The BCAS order, which is with immediate effect, is seen as a clear message from PM Narendra Modi that supporting Pakistan will have an economic cost for countries doing so.

Amid disruption fears, Delhi airport assures ‘smooth ops’

Pakistan had fired Turkish-origin drones on Indian cities during Operation Sindoor . Turkey is facing massive backlash for its support to Pakistan with tour operators reporting widespread cancellations. There are also protests against Turkish goods, such as marbles and apples, sold in India.

In a statement, Celebi denied links with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s daughter Sumeyye, who, reports said, was part owner of the company. Sumeyye is married to Selcuk Bayraktar — chairman of BAYKAR, the company that makes drones that were used by Pakistan.

Amid fears that operations at some of the airports may be impacted, Delhi airport assured “smooth operations and employee continuity”, while announcing it had ended ties with CASIPL. Most airports have more than one ground handler with Bird Flight Services (BFS) and Air India SATS Airport Services (AISATS) operating in Delhi.

Bengaluru has AISATS and GlobeGround India. Kochi has BFS, AI Airport Services Ltd (AIASL) and Agile (of IndiGo).

Ground handlers provide multiple services to ensure efficient and safe operation of aircraft on the ground. They load and unload baggage, cargo and mail for airlines and airports. They also assist with passenger check-in, boarding and ground services like fuel delivery, aircraft maintenance, vehicles on tarmac, general aviation handling and cleaning of aircraft. They also guide aircraft into parking positions and ensure their safe movement on ground.

Meanwhile, India Thursday postponed the credential ceremony for foreign ambassadors at Rashtrapati Bhawan because of “scheduling issues”. The new Turkish ambassador was among the senior diplomats who were slated to present their credentials to President Droupadi Murmu. The new ambassadors of Bangladesh, St Kitts and Nevis, Thailand and Costa Rica were also scheduled to present credentials during the ceremony.

The ceremony is now expected to take place next week. The deferment came in the middle of the outrage on social media over the support Pakistan received from Turkiye, a longtime ally of Islamabad, after India launched Operation Sindoor.