The airport ground services company Celebi, which operates in several major Indian airports, has filed a legal challenge against the Indian government’s decision to revoke its security clearance. The move comes amid rising diplomatic tension between India and Turkey, particularly over Ankara’s recent support to Pakistan during the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict.
The legal filing, submitted to the Delhi High Court, argues that the government’s order lacks clarity and proper justification. The Ministry of Civil Aviation had announced the cancellation on May 15, citing “national security” — a phrase Celebi says is too vague to hold up in court.
The Indian government has not detailed how Celebi — a Turkey-based company — poses a threat to national security. Celebi’s Indian subsidiary claims it was given no prior warning before the ban was issued, which now risks disrupting airport operations and impacting nearly 3,800 employees across the country.
Celebi’s court filing says:
“Mere rhetoric of national security without elaborating upon in what manner is an entity a threat to national security is unsustainable in law.”
The company has requested that the Delhi High Court set aside the order and allow operations to continue. The case is expected to come up for hearing on May 20.
While Celebi Airport Services India is part of a Turkish-origin group, the company argues that its “majority end control” rests with firms that are not incorporated in Turkey. It has also emphasised its contribution to the Indian aviation sector and expressed concern about the signal this decision might send to global investors.
The company claims that the decision could trigger panic among foreign investors, especially at a time when India is pushing to position itself as an investment-friendly alternative to China.
The backdrop to this row is India’s diplomatic cold shoulder to Turkey following Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s open backing of Pakistan during Operation Sindoor — India’s recent military campaign in Kashmir. This has triggered widespread public anger and calls for action against Turkish-linked businesses operating in India.
Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol had posted on X earlier, saying the decision was in response to multiple public and official appeals to ban Celebi, in the “interest of national security”.
For now, Celebi’s operations — spread across nine Indian airports — remain in a state of uncertainty. Whether the company gets to stay on the tarmac or is shown the exit gate will likely depend on what unfolds in court starting May 20.