India revokes security clearance of Turkish airport operator Celebi after Operation Sindoor

India has revoked the security clearance of Celebi Ground Handling India Private Limited with immediate effect, citing national security concerns. The Civil Aviation Ministry’s order, issued on May 15, states that the move follows Turkey’s vocal support for Pakistan in the aftermath of India’s precision strikes on terror bases across the Line of Control during Operation Sindoor.

Celebi, a Turkish-owned company, manages critical ground-handling services at nine major Indian airports. Its operations include directing aircraft on the tarmac, load control to ensure proper balance, passenger boarding bridge management, as well as cargo, postal, and warehouse services.

This marks India’s first direct action against a Turkish firm and comes amid a growing diplomatic rift. Ankara’s ties with Islamabad—strengthened through trade, banking, and defence cooperation—have drawn New Delhi’s ire. Recent Indian intelligence reports indicate that several drones used in the May 8 incursions were Turkey-made Asisguard SONGAR and Bayraktar TB2 models. In addition, a Turkish warship and an Air Force C-130 transport aircraft were detected in Karachi just before and after the strikes.

Concurrently, an “#BoycottTurkey” movement is gaining momentum across India. Tour operators and travel websites have begun canceling Turkish itineraries, and influential student bodies—including Jawaharlal Nehru University—have suspended academic collaborations with Turkish institutions. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) is set to convene in New Delhi tomorrow to consider ending all trade agreements with Turkey and Azerbaijan, in solidarity with its existing campaign against China.

Celebi Aviation operates in India under two separate entities: Celebi Airport Services India, for passenger and ramp services, and Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India, which runs cargo operations at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. Both entities will now cease their security-sensitive activities until further notice.