Turkey’s recent support for Pakistan during the India-Pakistan stand-off has sparked widespread outrage across India, escalating into calls for boycotts and scrutiny of Turkish business operations in the country. The diplomatic row began after reports emerged that Turkey had supplied drones to Pakistan following India's launch of Operation Sindoor, a military retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives on April 22.
While hostilities between India and Pakistan have since de-escalated, with both sides agreeing to cease cross-border firing and shelling, public anger against Turkey continues to grow. This sentiment has now spilled over into the aviation sector, placing a Turkish-origin firm operating in several major Indian airports under intense scrutiny.
Spotlight on Celebi Aviation
Celebi Aviation Holding is a Turkish multinational company that provides integrated ground handling services at airports. Established in 1958 as Turkey’s first privately-owned ground handling firm, Celebi has evolved into a global player in the aviation services industry. The company offers a wide range of services, including ramp handling, passenger and cargo operations, warehouse management, bridge operations, general aviation, and premium lounge management. With a workforce of over 15,000 employees, Celebi operates at 70 stations across six countries on three continents.
Celebi's Operations in India
Celebi entered the Indian aviation market through a joint venture with Mumbai International Airport, aiming to offer high-quality ground handling services. Following its entry, Celebi established two distinct entities in India: Celebi Airport Services India, which manages ground handling operations, and Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India, which is responsible for cargo handling at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Over the years, Celebi has expanded its footprint significantly in India. Today, it operates in nine major airports: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Goa, Cochin, and Kannur. The company handles more than 58,000 flights and 540,000 tonnes of cargo annually in India. Its Indian workforce is approximately 7,800 strong.
Also Read: 18 airports shut, 200 flights off after Operation Sindoor
High-Security Responsibilities at Airports
Celebi Aviation performs several high-security functions critical to the safe and efficient operations of Indian airports. These tasks include ramp services, which involve guiding aircraft on the ground, as well as load control and flight operations that ensure proper aircraft weight distribution and balance.
The company also manages bridge operations—overseeing the passenger boarding bridges that connect aircraft to terminals—as well as cargo and postal handling. These latter responsibilities involve stringent security procedures due to the nature of goods being transported and stored. Celebi further supports general aviation services, including those catering to private and VIP flights.
Mounting Controversy Over National Security
In the wake of Operation Sindoor and Turkey’s alleged support to Pakistan, Indian government sources have indicated that existing contracts with Turkish companies, particularly those related to national infrastructure and security, may be reviewed.
The controversy has also taken a political turn. The Shiv Sena, a major political party in Maharashtra, has issued a 10-day ultimatum to Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), demanding the termination of its contract with Celebi NAS Airport Services India. This entity handles roughly 70% of all ground operations at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, one of India’s busiest air travel hubs.
As diplomatic tensions persist, the future of Celebi Aviation’s operations in India remains uncertain, with both public pressure and political voices calling for decisive action.
Also Read: IndiGo to gradually resume flights on closed routes
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