Indo Thai Replaces Turkish Firm Celebi as Interim Ground Han

In a significant move driven by national security concerns, Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) has appointed Indo Thai Airport Services as the interim ground-handling partner at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). This follows the abrupt termination of ground-handling concessions granted to Turkish firm Celebi NAS, whose security clearance was revoked by the Indian government.

Background: Why Celebi’s Contract Was Terminated

The Adani Group-led MIAL made the announcement just a day after the Ministry of Civil Aviation revoked Celebi NAS Airport Services’ security clearance. The revocation was issued on national security grounds by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).

The decision comes against the backdrop of deteriorating diplomatic relations between India and Turkey. The revocation was triggered after Turkey publicly supported Pakistan and condemned India’s airstrikes—Operation Sindoor—on terrorist camps in Pakistan. The strikes were carried out in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives.

Further complicating matters were allegations that Turkey had supplied drones to Pakistan during its recent military posturing, raising red flags in Indian intelligence circles.

Indo Thai Appointed as Interim Ground Handler

In light of the termination of Celebi’s services, Indo Thai Airport Services—a Kolkata-based firm operating at nine other Indian airports—was appointed as the temporary ground-handling service provider at Mumbai airport. The appointment is valid for three months, during which time MIAL plans to finalize a long-term ground-handling partner through a formal bidding process.

An MIAL spokesperson stated that a joint meeting with all affected airlines had been conducted to ensure a smooth transition. Key measures to facilitate the handover include:

Transfer of all Celebi NAS employees at CSMIA to Indo Thai, preserving their current terms and conditions of employment.
Leasing of all ground-handling equipment owned by Celebi NAS to Indo Thai to maintain service continuity.
Reassurance to airlines that operations at CSMIA will remain unaffected during the interim period.

MIAL confirmed it would initiate the Request for Proposal (RFP) process within three days to select a long-term service provider.

Celebi Takes Legal Recourse

In response to the revocation of its security clearance, Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd has approached the Delhi High Court. The company is challenging the BCAS’s decision, arguing that it remains fully compliant with all Indian aviation, national security, and tax regulations.

Celebi Aviation India denied all allegations linked to its ownership or operational practices in India. A lawyer involved in the case confirmed that the plea had been filed and was expected to be heard the following week.

Celebi’s Legacy in India

Despite the controversy, Celebi has had a significant footprint in India’s aviation sector:

15+ years of operations
Presence at 9 major Indian airports, including Mumbai, Delhi, Cochin, Kannur, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Goa, Ahmedabad, and Chennai
58,000 flights handled annually
5.4 lakh tonnes of cargo managed per year
Over 10,000 employees

However, Celebi’s operations at major hubs such as Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport have also come under scrutiny. Delhi airport operator DIAL (Delhi International Airport Ltd) has officially ended its partnership with Celebi for both ground-handling and cargo services.

Political Fallout and Domestic Reactions

The development sparked strong political reactions, especially from the ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra.

Shiv Sena Claims Credit

Shiv Sena leader and Maharashtra Industries Minister Uday Samant held a press conference asserting that the party had played a key role in protecting the jobs of 4,500 Indian employees who were at risk after Celebi’s exit.

“We held detailed discussions with the airport authority to ensure the continued employment of 4,500 Indian workers. Thanks to this initiative, their jobs are now secure,” said Samant.

He also issued a warning to other Turkish companies operating in Maharashtra, urging them to exit the state if found supporting anti-India sentiments.

BJP Joins the Protest

Shiv Sena’s ally, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), took to the streets to protest against Turkish entities. Notably, BJP workers demonstrated outside a Turkish eatery in Fort, Mumbai, denouncing Turkey’s political stance and influence.

What Lies Ahead

As the three-month interim arrangement with Indo Thai begins, the aviation sector now awaits the outcome of two critical developments:

The legal verdict on Celebi’s plea in the Delhi High Court
The results of MIAL’s RFP process to onboard a long-term ground-handling service provider

The situation also sets a precedent for how geopolitical tensions can have a direct impact on commercial aviation operations in India.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies