Mumbai: Amid widespread criticism from across the country, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) revoked the security clearance of the Turkish ground handling services company Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd. citing national security interest.
Earlier this week, Andheri East MLA Murji Patel had demanded to revoke the contract of the Turkish company which was providing multiple ground services at around nine Indian airports including Mumbai Airport.
As Turkey expressed its solidarity with Pakistan after India launched Operation Sindoor to avenge the killing of 26 civilians in the Pahalgam terrorist attack, the calls to boycott Turkey and Turkish companies are growing stronger across the country.
Meanwhile, the Turkish airport ground handling services company Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd. has drawn flak from across the country for holding major contracts across nine Indian airports.
The Free Press Journal reported on Monday that Shiv Sena workers along with Andheri East MLA Murji Patel reached Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA)’s Terminal-1 to protest against Celebi. At Mumbai Airport, it held the contract to provide Bridge Mounted Equipment (BME) services at both terminals.
On Thursday, BCAS joint director of operations ordered revoking the security clearance of Celebi with immediate effect citing the national security interest.
“In the exercise of powers 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,” read the order.
Taking to The Free Press Journal, MLA Patel, who was the first to call for the boycott, said, “These Turkish companies earn money from Mumbai and India and then support our enemies. This was the reason I decided to call for the cancellation of Celebi’s contract, which was holding the contract to handle around 70% of the ground services work at Mumbai Airport. Deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde also supported me in this cause.”
Patel added that he is coordinating with the airport authorities to ensure that the Maharashtrian youth employed by the Turkish company should not face issues after its contract has been revoked.
Murlidhar Mohol, union civil aviation minister for state, said, “Recognising the seriousness of the issue and the call to protect national interests, we have taken cognizance of these requests and the Ministry of Civil Aviation has revoked the security clearance of the said company. Ensuring the safety and interests of the nation remains our top priority.”
Notably, Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC had also called for the boycott of Turkey’s flag carrier Turkish Airlines, as reported by The Free Press Journal.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation is ensuring that passenger convenience, cargo operations, and service continuity remain unaffected. Arrangements have been made at all affected airports to ensure seamless handling of passengers and cargo.
According to the ministry, the Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu is personally monitoring the situation and the Ministry is in active coordination with airport operators to manage the transition smoothly. Efforts are being made to ensure that employees working with Celebi are retained and continue to contribute.
“We are also deploying special teams to oversee operations and address any emerging issues in real time. We will continue to uphold national security while ensuring ease of travel and cargo movement across the country,” said the minister.
