In a significant move following recent government directives, major Indian airports in Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad have terminated their contracts with Turkey-based ground handling company Çelebi Aviation. The action comes in the wake of heightened scrutiny and regulatory measures initiated by Indian authorities against the company, reportedly due to national security concerns and compliance issues.
Sources within the Ministry of Civil Aviation confirmed that the termination was carried out as part of a broader review of foreign entities operating in sensitive infrastructure sectors. The decision aligns with the Indian government's ongoing efforts to tighten oversight of foreign players involved in critical services such as airport ground handling.
Çelebi, which has been operating in India for over a decade, provided ground handling services at several key airports. Its contracts allowed it to manage services including baggage handling, aircraft cleaning, and other ground operations. The termination affects its operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Mumbai), and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (Ahmedabad).
While the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has yet to issue a public statement, officials indicate that the move aims to ensure that all service providers at Indian airports meet stringent regulatory and security standards.
Alternate arrangements for ground handling services are being swiftly put in place to ensure uninterrupted airport operations, according to airport authorities. Meanwhile, Çelebi has not issued an official response regarding the termination of its contracts.
This development is being closely watched by other foreign service providers in India, with industry analysts noting that increased regulatory vigilance may lead to further scrutiny of international companies operating in critical infrastructure sectors.
FAQ
Q1: What is Çelebi, and what services does it provide?
A: Çelebi Aviation is a Turkey-based ground handling company that provides services such as baggage handling, aircraft cleaning, cargo operations, and passenger assistance at airports.
Q2: Why did Indian airports terminate contracts with Çelebi?
A: The contracts were terminated following government action, reportedly due to national security and compliance concerns related to Çelebi’s operations as a foreign entity in a sensitive infrastructure sector.
Q3: Which Indian airports have ended their contracts with Çelebi?
A: The terminations have taken place at Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Mumbai), and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (Ahmedabad).
Q4: What prompted the Indian government’s action against Çelebi?
A: While official reasons have not been publicly detailed, sources suggest the decision is part of a broader government review of foreign companies operating in critical sectors, focusing on security and regulatory compliance.
Q5: Will airport operations be affected by this move?
A: Airport authorities have stated that alternate arrangements for ground handling services are being implemented to avoid disruptions and ensure seamless operations.
Q6: How long had Çelebi been operating in India?
A: Çelebi had been operating in India for over a decade, providing ground handling services at several major airports.
Q7: Has Çelebi responded to the termination of its contracts?
A: As of now, Çelebi has not issued an official public response regarding the contract terminations.
Q8: Could other foreign service providers in India be affected?
A: Industry analysts suggest that the move may lead to increased scrutiny of other foreign entities in critical sectors, depending on regulatory reviews and compliance assessments.
Publish on may 16,2025 by :selvi