Shares of Turkiye-based Çelebi Aviation Holding plummeted by nearly 20 percent on Thursday and Friday after the Indian government abruptly revoked the company’s security clearance for operating at several major airports across the country. Headquartered in Istanbul, Çelebi Aviation issued a statement to its investors, confirming it would “pursue all administrative and legal remedies” against the decision taken by Indian authorities.
The move coincided with rising diplomatic tensions between India and Turkiye, triggered by Ankara’s open support for Pakistan during recent hostilities. On Friday, hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Delhi’s high-security diplomatic zone of Chanakyapuri, attempting to march toward the Embassy of Turkiye. The Delhi Police swiftly intervened, blocking the protest with multiple barricades and detaining several individuals to prevent any escalation.
The protest was largely fuelled by outrage over Turkiye’s alleged supply of drones to Pakistan—reportedly used in attacks against Indian forces during the recent conflict.
“Turkiye has backstabbed us,” said a protester affiliated with the Swadeshi Jagran Manch. “India stood by them during their crisis. After the earthquake, we sent aid, teams, and supplies under Operation Dost. But they responded by arming our enemies.”
Operation Dost was India’s humanitarian mission in February 2023 that sent search and rescue teams, medical staff, relief supplies, and equipment to assist Turkiye in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake. The mission was widely seen as a gesture of goodwill and solidarity.
Despite that, protesters claimed Turkiye’s current stance undermined India’s efforts and demanded a severing of diplomatic ties. "This is betrayal. India should suspend all relations with Turkiye," said another demonstrator. Carrying placards and chanting slogans, the protesters clashed with police while attempting to reach the Turkish Embassy. Law enforcement officials eventually detained several participants to maintain order.
The diplomatic strain comes amid reports from the Indian Armed Forces confirming Pakistan’s use of foreign-supplied military hardware in the recent conflict. According to the statement, Pakistan deployed drones and missiles obtained from Turkiye and China—including Turkish-made drones and Chinese PL-15 missiles.
Although a ceasefire between India and Pakistan came into effect on May 10 after four days of cross-border hostilities, public sentiment in India remains inflamed. Social media users have called for widespread boycotts of Turkish products, services, and tourism.
Responding to the backlash, Indian travel companies such as EaseMyTrip, Cox & Kings, and Ixigo have suspended tour packages to Turkiye and China and issued advisories discouraging travel to both nations.
In a decisive measure, the Indian government revoked the security clearance of Çelebi Airport Services on Thursday. The company, which had operated in India for over a decade, provided critical ground handling services—ranging from ramp and cargo operations to lounge management—at key airports in cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kannur, Goa (GOX), Ahmedabad, and Chennai.
As tensions deepen, Çelebi’s future in India remains uncertain, with legal proceedings expected to unfold in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, the diplomatic standoff has added another layer of complexity to the already strained India-Turkiye relationship.
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