Advertisement
X

Turkish Firm Celebi Moves Delhi HC Against BCAS Revoking Of Security Clearance

The security clearance of the firm was revoked days after Turkey backed Pakistan and condemned India's strikes on terror camps in the neighbouring country.

| Photo: PTI

Turkish company Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd on Friday moved the Delhi High Court agianst the decision of aviation watchdog BCAS revoking its security clearance in the "interest of national security".

The security clearance of the firm was revoked days after Turkey backed Pakistan and condemned India's strikes on terror camps in the neighbouring country.

Pakistan had also used Turkish drones on a large scale in the military conflict with India.

According to PTI, a lawyer associated with the case confirmed the filing and the plea is likely to be listed next week.

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), in an order, said, "... the security clearance in r/o Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd is hereby revoked with immediate effect in the interest of national security." The security clearance to the company, part of Turkey's Celebi, was given in November 2022.

Celebi, operating in the Indian aviation sector for over 15 years and employing over 10,000 people, offers its services at nine airports.

Celebi handles around 58,000 flights and 5,40,00 tonne of cargo annually in India, according to its website.

It used to handle nine airports including Delhi, Kochi, Mumbai, Kannur, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Goa, Ahmedabad and Chennai airports.

In a statement issued earlier, Celebi Aviation India said it remains in full compliance with Indian aviation, national security, and tax regulations, and operates with complete transparency.

It rejected all allegations regarding the company's ownership and operations in India and reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to the country's aviation sector.

Delhi airport operator DIAL had also said it has formally ended its association with Celebi entities responsible for ground handling and cargo operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd and Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India Pvt Ltd were overseeing ground handling and cargo terminal functions, respectively.

The Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) on Friday also announced that it has discontinued the ground handling services of Celebi.

Advertisement
Show comments
KR