On Thursday, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) revoked the license of Turkish ground-handling firm Celebi Aviation, with immediate effect. The Indian authorities cited national security as the reason for this sudden move that comes amid growing diplomatic tensions between India and Turkey. Scroll on to know more about this.
India Revokes Celebi Aviation Security Clearance
BCAS’s move to revoke Celebi Aviation’s license will impact ground handling services at nine major Indian airports. The Turkish company provides services at Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Cochin, Kannur, Chennai, and Goa’s MOPA airport.
“The security clearance in r/o Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd under the category Ground Handling Agency was approved by DG, BCAS on 21 November, 2022. In the exercise of power conferred upon DG, BCAS, the security clearance in r/o Celebi Airport Services India Pvt. Ltd is hereby revoked with immediate effect in the interest of National Security. This issues with the approval of DG, BCAS,” the government order read.
Some reports suggest that the Celebi Aviation staff across all airports will be moved to other ground-handling agencies. BCAS will help in the smooth transitioning of staff. It will issue special orders to allow the firm’s staff to work for other ground-handling agencies.
As per reports, Celebi Aviation is a Turkish multinational company. Founded in 1958, it provides ground handling and airport services worldwide. It was the first private ground-handling company in Turkey. Over the years, it has expanded its global network to 70 locations globally. It provides services like comprehensive ground handling, cargo and warehouse management, and general aviation support.
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How Will This Impact Services Across Indian Airports?
Celebi Aviation is a significant part of India’s aviation sector as well. Its Indian operations include passenger assistance, flight operations, cargo handling, warehouse management, and bridge operation services. Now, given national security concerns, BCAS has cancelled the firm’s operations in India.
According to the Hindustan Times, aviation experts believe this move will cause operational setbacks, amid heightened regulatory scrutiny at the airports. They feel that although airport operators appear to have established contingency plans, there will be some challenges. The primary one will be to ensure the continuity of services at the affected airports during the transition to new service providers.
Celebi Aviation, in response, issued a statement and said, “We are not a Turkish organisation by any standard and adhere fully to globally accepted practices of corporate governance, transparency, and neutrality, with no political affiliations or links to any foreign government or individuals,”
Adani Airport Holdings has also decided to end its association with China-based DragonPass. The firm provided access to airport lounges. Adani group has ensured that this change will have “no impact on the airport lounge and travel experience for other customers.”
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