Turkish firm under govt lens: Know all about Celebi Aviation handling high-security tasks at Indian Airports

Celebi entered India with a joint venture at Mumbai International Airport.

Following Turkey’s support to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, India is likely to review contracts given to Turkey-based Celebi Aviation, which handles high-security tasks at nine Indian airports.

Celibi Aviation also handles high-security tasks at Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai airports. It reportedly manages 58,000 flights in India annually.

Earlier, government sources told News18 that India will severe trade ties, should it come to this, given Turkey’s role of supporting a “terror state". According to News18, sources suggested that the government will begin by reviewing financial relations where national security is directly linked.

Celebi’s operation at Indian airports

Since its entry in 2008, Celebi has expanded its presence in India's aviation sector. According to its official website, it handles over 58,000 flights and 5,40,000 tonnes of cargo annually, with a workforce of 7,800 employees.

Celebi entered India with a joint venture at Mumbai International Airport.

Celebi officially registered its operations in India under two entities: Celebi Airport Services India for ground handling and Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India for cargo services at New Delhi International Airport.

Celebi's services in India include passenger services, load control and flight operations, ramp services, general aviation services, cargo and postal services, warehouse services, and bridge operations.

Celebi Aviation Holdings conducts nearly 75 percent of its business with foreign carriers, while the remaining 25 percent is with Indian airlines.

Security concern

On Monday, Shiv Sena leader Murji Patel led a delegation to the Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), urging them to end their association with Celebi NAS Airport Service.  However, apart from political reasons, there are security concerns too.

Defence analyst Abhijit Iyer-Mitra told News18: “The matter is far more serious than it appears to be. We suspect around 10 per cent of the firm is owned by Sumeyye Erdogan, daughter of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Sumeyye Erdogan is married to Selçuk Bayraktar, the man who produces Bayraktar drones which Pakistan used against India. The Celebi terminal in Delhi overlooks the VVIP technical area where electronic intelligence aircraft are stationed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s VIP aircraft comes in the vicinity. I don’t need to spell out that this is alarming."

Aviation consultant Sanjay Lazar claims Celebi was granted security clearance, ironically after 26/11, when the UPA government was in power. “Many aviation trade unions affiliated to the Shiv Sena, (including ours) under late Balasaheb Thackeray-ji had vigorously opposed the entry of Celebi…", he said on X.