India’s aviation security regulator, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), has revoked the security clearance of Turkish firm Çelebi Aviation Holding on national security grounds. The decision follows concerns raised by Indian authorities regarding the firm’s alleged ties to Turkiye’s ruling Erdogan family. The move comes in the wake of heightened tensions between India and Turkey, particularly after Turkey’s open support for Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, India’s military action against Pakistan-based terrorist launch pads.
Reports indicate that Turkish-made drones were widely used in Pakistan’s failed counterstrikes against India, and two Turkish military operatives were allegedly killed while coordinating drone attacks on Indian territory.
In a government statement, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Union Minister for Civil Aviation, reaffirmed India’s commitment to national security, stating that it remains “paramount and non-negotiable.” He assured that passenger convenience, cargo operations, and service continuity would not be affected.
“We are deploying special teams to oversee operations and address all emerging issues in real time. We will continue to uphold national security while ensuring ease of travel and cargo movement across the country,” he added.
To ensure seamless operations at affected airports, four firms have stepped in to take charge of ground handling services: AISATS, Bird Worldwide Flight Services, Indo Thai Airport Management Services, and Air India Airports Services.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation is actively monitoring the situation to facilitate a smooth transition, ensuring that personnel employed by Çelebi are retained wherever possible.
Mumbai-Ahmedabad