BCAS revokes security clearance for Turkey's Celebi Airport Services 'in interest of national security'

NEW DELHI: Citing the “interest of national security”, Modi govt on Thursday revoked security clearance to Turkish ground service provider Celebi “and its associated companies,” in a move that will impact the security-sensitive ground handling services provided by the company at passenger and cargo terminals in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Goa, Cochin and Kannur airports. Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd (CASIPL) and two other Celebi companies in India do ground handling at these nine airports.“Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has revoked the security clearance of Celebi and its associated companies on grounds related to national security. Nothing is above the security of our nation and our fellow citizens. National interest and public safety are paramount and non-negotiable. Efforts being made to ensure that employees working with Celebi are retained and continue to contribute and to ensure seamless handling of passengers and cargo at all affected Airports,” Union aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu said.The BCAS order, which is with immediate effect, is seen as a clear message from PM Narendra Modi that supporting Pakistan will have an economic cost for countries doing so. Pakistan had fired Turkish-origin drones on Indian cities during Operation Sindoor.Turkey is facing massive backlash for its support to Pakistan with tour operators reporting widespread cancellations. There are also protests against Turkish goods, such as marbles and apples, sold in India.In a statement, Celebi denied links with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s daughter Sümeyye who, reports said, was part owner of the company. Sümeyye is married to Selçuk Bayraktar -- chairman of BAYKAR, the company that makes drones that were used by Pakistan.Amid fears that operations at some of the airports may be impacted, Delhi airport assured “smooth operations and employee continuity”, while announcing that it had ended ties with CASIPL. Most airports have more than one ground handler with Bird Flight Services (BFS) and Air India SATS Airport Services (AISATS) operating in Delhi, while Bengaluru has AISATS and GlobeGround India. Kochi has BFS, AI Airport Services Ltd (AIASL) and Agile (of IndiGo).Ground handlers provide multiple services to ensure efficient and safe operation of aircraft on the ground. They load and unload baggage, cargo, and mail for airlines and airports. They also assist with passenger check-in, boarding, and ground services like fuel delivery, aircraft maintenance, vehicles on tarmac, general aviation handling and cleaning of aircraft. They also guide aircraft into parking positions and ensure the safe movement of aircraft on the ground.