India cuts ties with Turkish airport service firm over support for Pakistan

Citing national security concerns, the Indian Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) revoked the security clearance of Turkiye-based Celebi Air Services India Pvt Ltd on May 15.

The move came a rift in diplomatic ties between India and Turkiye, after Ankara extended its political and moral support to Pakistan and stood by the brotherly country against Indian aggression.

The official order from BCAS stated that the clearance for Celebi Airport Service India has been suspended “in the interest of national security”. 

Celebi Aviation Holding is the company behind Celebi Airport Services, which handles ground support at nine airports across India, including major ones like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. 

Read: Indian tourists cancel trips to Turkiye, Azerbaijan over Pakistan support

The Delhi International Airport said it has cut ties with Celebi and is working with existing airport handling providers AISATS and Brid Group. 

Indian Aviation Minister Murlidhar Mohol stated that the government took the decision after receiving requests from across India. 

"Recognising the seriousness of the issue and the call to protect national interests, we have taken cognisance of these requests, and the Ministry of Civil Aviation has revoked security clearance of the said company," Mohol said on X.

Earlier, the key ally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi held protests against Celebi's services in Mumbai and urged severing ties with the Turkish company. 

Read: Indian travel platforms boycott Turkiye, China, Azerbaijan for supporting Pakistan

Intense clashes erupted between India and Pakistan last week following New Delhi's assault on what it described as "terrorist camps" in Pakistan. 

Indian carried out the attacks after accusing Pakistan's invovlement in Pahalgam incident in IIOJK, where 26 tourists were shot dead by unidentified gunmen. 

Pakistan refuted any involvement; however, Islamabad decided to reatliate against Indian aggression and subsequently launched missiles and drones targeting military installations in India. 

The nuclear-armed rivals reached a ceasefire on Saturday, which has mostly been maintained. Turkiye and Azerbaijan, are popular budget-friendly holiday spots for Indians but both countries are facing voycott calls after issuing statements in support of Islamabad after India's strikes.