Adani Airport Holdings has formally terminated its collaboration with Çelebi, a Turkish aviation services provider, at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) in Ahmedabad and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai. Çelebi’s security clearance was revoked on May 15 by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) of the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation, which issued the instruction that led to this decision. To guarantee continuous operations, Çelebi was consequently directed to turn over all ground handling facilities at both airports to Adani right away.
The termination of the ground handling concession agreements means that Adani Airport Holdings will now directly oversee these critical services at two of India’s busiest airports. The company emphasized that the transition would be seamless, with new ground handling agencies stepping in to maintain service levels for all airlines. The move is part of a broader effort by Adani to uphold operational stability and national security interests at its airports.
Employee Transition and Operational Continuity:
The integration of Çelebi’s current workers at the airports in Ahmedabad and Mumbai is a crucial component of the changeover. Adani has promised to transfer all present Çelebi workers to the new ground handling companies on their current employment terms and conditions. This step has the goal to reduce interference and guarantee that airport operations continue uninterrupted throughout the transition.
The business has reaffirmed its dedication to giving airlines and travelers consistent, excellent service. According to Adani Airport Holdings spokespersons, ground handling operations will go without interruptions and the best service standards and national interest will be maintained. Operational continuity is still the major priority, and all parties involved are kept updated at every stage.
National Security Concerns and Industry Context:
National security concerns led to the decision to cancel the collaboration and remove Çelebi’s security clearance. The action was taken in the midst of increased monitoring of international companies that work in vital infrastructure areas, especially in light of shifting geopolitical conditions. The heightened vigilance has been heightened by recent tensions between India and Turkey, particularly after India’s Operation Sindoor and Turkey’s public support for Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror assault.
Delhi, Cochin, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Goa are just a few of the nine airports in India where Çelebi, a subsidiary of the Turkish conglomerate Çelebi Aviation Holding, offers ground handling services. Through Çelebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India, the business additionally manages cargo operations. Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) had earlier terminated its relationship with Çelebi for similar reasons, but national security guidelines have resulted in the termination of the company’s services at important airports.
In response to the termination and related allegations, Çelebi Aviation India has issued a statement clarifying its ownership and governance structure. The company emphasized that it is majority-owned by international institutional investors from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, the UAE, and Western Europe, and operates independently of any political affiliations or foreign government influence.
Foreign Firms Under Scrutiny:
The termination of the Adani-Çelebi collaboration is a component of a broader pattern of heightened scrutiny of international companies operating in India’s infrastructure and aviation industries. In addition to the Çelebi project, Adani Airport Holdings has dissolved its partnership with DragonPass, a travel agency and airport lounge established in China. This action, which was taken only a few days after a partnership was announced, is indicative of India’s increasing caution regarding businesses that are thought to have ties to hostile nations.
These actions highlight a shift in India’s approach to critical infrastructure management, with a stronger emphasis on national security and self-reliance. As the geopolitical landscape becomes more complex, regulatory authorities are taking proactive steps to ensure that foreign entities operating in sensitive sectors meet stringent security and compliance standards.
For Adani Airport Holdings, the immediate priority is to maintain seamless airport operations and reassure airlines and passengers of continued service quality. The company’s swift response and structured transition plan underscore its commitment to operational excellence and national interest, setting a precedent for how such changes can be managed in India’s rapidly evolving aviation sector.
