BCAS Action Triggers Turmoil for Turkish Ground Handler Amid Geopolitical Backlash
Shares of Turkish aviation ground handler Çelebi Hava Servisi AS nosedived 10% on the Istanbul Stock Exchange on May 16, following India’s decision to revoke the security clearance of its local subsidiary, Celebi Airport Services India, with immediate effect. The move by India’s Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) was made in the “interest of national security”, as tensions escalate over Turkiye’s political alignment with Pakistan, especially in light of recent Indian military operations under ‘Operation Sindoor’.
Highlights:
Celebi shares crashed 10%, down by 222 points to 2,002 TRY, marking a 30% drop over four sessions.
BCAS revoked the security clearance of Celebi Airport Services India on national security grounds.
Decision follows Turkiye’s public condemnation of Indian military strikes and alleged Turkish support to Pakistan.
Security Clearance Revoked Amid Geopolitical Concerns and Domestic Pressure
India’s civil aviation security agency BCAS formally withdrew its November 2022 security clearance for Celebi Airport Services India under the ‘Ground Handling Agency’ category. The decision is seen as a direct consequence of Turkiye’s criticism of India’s military action against terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and its defence cooperation with Pakistan, including the use of Turkish-origin drones in conflict zones.
Public sentiment and political pressure had been building in India over Celebi’s continued presence, prompting the Ministry of Civil Aviation to act. Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol acknowledged multiple calls from across the country to ban Celebi’s operations, adding that the government took cognizance to protect national interests.
Highlights:
BCAS issued immediate revocation citing “interest of national security”.
Move follows Turkiye’s diplomatic support to Pakistan and growing public pressure within India.
Minister Murlidhar Mohol cited national security concerns and “requests from across India” as drivers of the decision.
Çelebi India Denies Turkish Control, Reaffirms Commitment to Indian Market
In response, Celebi Airport Services India issued a public statement denying allegations of political affiliations or foreign government influence, asserting that it is not a Turkish organization “by any standard”. The company reiterated its 15-year presence in India and claimed adherence to global standards of corporate governance and neutrality.
Despite this defence, the revocation has already led to tangible operational disruptions. Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) formally terminated Celebi’s contracts for ground handling and cargo services at IGIA, and has since transitioned to AISATS and Brid Group to ensure service continuity. DIAL also committed to safeguarding the interests of affected employees during the shift.
Highlights:
Celebi India denies foreign political control, claims operational independence.
DIAL ends contracts with Celebi for IGIA ground handling and cargo operations.
Alternative providers AISATS and Brid Group have been activated to ensure seamless transition.
Operational Footprint and Shareholding Speculation Intensify Scrutiny
Celebi operates across nine major Indian airports, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Cochin, Kannur, and Goa (GOX), through three separate entities. Its extensive presence made it one of the most visible foreign service providers in India’s aviation ecosystem. However, recent rumors alleging part ownership by Sumeyye Erdogan Bayraktar, daughter of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, have heightened scrutiny and contributed to the revocation momentum. Although Çelebi Aviation Holding has not confirmed these allegations, the speculation has fueled further public and political backlash.
Highlights:
Celebi’s footprint spans nine Indian airports with wide operational scale.
Unconfirmed speculation about Erdogan’s daughter being a shareholder of the parent firm adds to controversy.
Political affiliations alleged by critics, though denied by Celebi India.
Market Reaction and Future Outlook Clouded by Diplomatic Overhang
The Istanbul-listed parent company has seen a sharp selloff, with nearly 30% value erosion in just four sessions. The India revocation marks a serious setback for Çelebi’s international business strategy, as India was one of its fastest-growing markets. Given the escalating geopolitical tension and deteriorating public perception, Çelebi’s recovery in the Indian market appears unlikely in the short term. Any path back may require complete corporate restructuring, regulatory re-approval, and possibly diplomatic thawing between India and Turkiye.
Highlights:
Shares of Çelebi Hava Servisi AS down 30% in four sessions.
Revocation deals a severe blow to Çelebi’s Indian operations, once a high-growth zone.
Recovery contingent on regulatory clarity, reputational repair, and improved Indo-Turkish ties.
