On 7 July 2025, the Delhi High Court dismissed the petition of Turkish ground handling company Celibi Airport Services India. The company challenged the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) on 15 May 2025 to cancel its security approval. The court gave priority to national security and gave this decision. Celabi, which served at nine major airports in India, has suffered a major setback with this decision, as it is in danger of its employment of more than 10,000 employees.
The reason for this decision is the increasing diplomatic tension between India and Türkiye, especially after Türkiye’s military and diplomatic support with Pakistan. In May 2025, India attacked terrorist bases in Pakistan under Operation Sindoor, which Turkey condemned. In response, the BCAS canceled Celeby’s security approval, which stopped its operations at airports like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai.
Celebi’s lawyer, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi argued that the company was canceled without any warning or clarification, which is against the principles of natural justice. He said that Celibi has been working in India since 2008, all its employees are Indians, and have no political relations. On the other hand, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said that the decision was taken on the basis of confidential intelligence information, which cannot be made public for national security.
Celebi also dismissed that the company has a stake in Turkish President’s daughter Sumeayye Erdogan. The company said that its ownership is only with Cannon and Kanan Celebi. Nevertheless, the court accepted the government’s argument of national security. This decision has stalled the business of Celebi handling 70% ground operations at Mumbai airport. The company can now turn to the Supreme Court.
