Turkish Firm Celebi Challenges Security Clearance Revocation in Delhi High Court

 

In a significant legal development, Turkish firm Celebi Airport Services has filed a petition in the Delhi High Court, contesting the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security’s (BCAS) decision to revoke its security clearance citing national security concerns. The Celebi Delhi High Court plea comes shortly after Turkiye publicly backed Pakistan and condemned India’s counter-terror strikes, raising geopolitical tensions that appear to have impacted Celebi’s India operations.

Celebi, which has been a key ground handling service provider in India for over 15 years, operates at nine major airports and employs more than 10,000 personnel. The Delhi airport ground handling landscape may face disruptions as Celebi plays a significant role at the Indira Gandhi International Airport.

The Celebi security clearance was originally granted in November 2022. However, its revocation has led to the termination of partnerships with major airports, including those in Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) and Chennai Airport have also shifted operations to other service providers following government advisories.

"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 said in the filing, which is not public.

The Delhi High Court Celebi case is expected to be listed for hearing this week. Celebi’s legal challenge is likely to test the balance between national security and foreign business interests in India’s sensitive aviation sector, especially amid increasing scrutiny of foreign firms linked to countries with diplomatic friction.

The outcome could have broader implications for foreign players operating in strategic sectors under the evolving lens of national interest and regulatory policy.