Turkish aviation services company Çelebi has launched legal action against the Indian government after its security clearance was abruptly revoked, halting its operations at nine major Indian airports and throwing nearly 3,800 staff into limbo.
The move came just months after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reiterated support for Pakistan amid rising India-Pakistan tensions. In response, India’s Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) cited “national security concerns” and revoked clearances for Çelebi Airport Services India and its cargo arm last Thursday—despite a five-year renewal granted in November 2022.
Çelebi, which is 65% owned by international investors and not directly controlled by Ankara, says the action is politically motivated and unlawful. In its petition to the Delhi High Court, the company argues that the cancellation lacked due process and failed to cite specific intelligence or wrongdoing.
The government, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, defended the action in court Monday, stating that the decision was based on credible security inputs and that the state is entitled to act cautiously in matters of national interest.
To avoid disruption in airport services, BCAS reassigned Çelebi’s vetted staff to other ground-handling companies temporarily. The High Court, while acknowledging national security imperatives, has asked the government to justify the revocation in detail. The next hearing is scheduled for May 21.
Legal experts say the case may set a vital precedent for how India handles foreign businesses during geopolitical disputes. The outcome could have broader implications, especially if Indian firms operating abroad face similar treatment in response.
