Delhi High Court Upholds Revocation of Security Clearance for Turkish Firm Celebi Over National Security Concerns

New Delhi, July 8 — The Delhi High Court on Monday dismissed a petition filed by Turkish ground-handling company Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd (CASIPL), which had challenged the Government of India’s decision to revoke its security clearance over concerns tied to national security.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation had earlier withdrawn security clearance for Celebi — a major player in airport ground operations in India — citing rising apprehensions linked to Turkey’s perceived alignment with Pakistan in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, India’s recent counter-terrorism initiative. The decision follows mounting public and political pressure to restrict Turkish business activities in India.

Celebi, in its legal submission, called the government’s action “arbitrary” and argued that it lacked “concrete justification.” The firm contended that the order was issued without prior notice or detailed reasoning, stating, “Mere rhetoric of national security, without elaboration on the nature of the threat posed, is unsustainable in law.” The company also warned that the move could endanger 3,791 jobs, erode investor confidence, and significantly disrupt airport operations, particularly at high-traffic hubs like Mumbai International Airport, where Celebi handles nearly 70% of ground services.

These services include passenger assistance, flight operations, cargo management, and bridge control — all integral to the airport ecosystem.

The government, however, remained firm in its stance. Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation, Murlidhar Mohol, confirmed the revocation in a public statement, citing overwhelming calls from citizens to act against Celebi in light of its Turkish ownership.

“Recognising the seriousness of the issue and the call to protect national interests, we have taken cognizance of these requests. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has revoked the security clearance of the said company. Ensuring the safety and interests of the nation remains our top priority,” Mohol posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Since its Indian debut in 2008, Celebi has steadily expanded its footprint in the aviation sector. However, scrutiny over its links to Turkey’s ruling establishment intensified in recent months. According to multiple reports, Celebi’s parent company is partly owned by Sumeyye Erdogan, daughter of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is married to Selcuk Bayraktar — the defense engineer behind the Bayraktar military drones allegedly used by Pakistan in hostile operations against India.

While Celebi has maintained that its operations in India are lawful, compliant, and professionally managed, Monday’s verdict by the Delhi High Court signals strong judicial backing for government actions driven by national security considerations.

As India’s aviation industry continues its post-pandemic growth trajectory, the decision marks a significant precedent in how geopolitical dynamics may shape foreign commercial operations on Indian soil.