Adani Airport Holdings announced on Thursday that it has ended its partnership with the Turkish company Çelebi for ground handling services at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
This decision came after the Indian government’s Bureau of Civil Aviation Security canceled Çelebi’s security clearance on May 15. Following this, Çelebi was asked to hand over all ground handling work to Adani immediately.
Spokespersons for both Mumbai and Ahmedabad airports said, “Since the government revoked Çelebi’s security clearance, we have ended our agreements with them. Çelebi must hand over all ground handling facilities to us right away to keep airport operations smooth.”
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All current Çelebi employees at these airports will be transferred to new agencies without any change in their pay or conditions.
The airports assured that ground handling work will continue without any problems and they remain committed to maintaining high service standards and protecting national interests.
Following the Government of India’s decision to revoke Celebi’s security clearance, we have terminated the ground handling concession agreements with Celebi at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) and Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel… pic.twitter.com/sGk9WYpqiR
— ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2025
Why Did This Happen?
The Indian government’s decision comes at a time of increased tensions between India and Pakistan. Turkey, which owns Çelebi, has shown support for Pakistan, especially after a recent terror attack and India’s military response.
Çelebi works at nine airports in India, including Delhi, Cochin, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Goa. It also handles cargo at Delhi airport.
Earlier, Delhi International Airport also ended its partnership with Çelebi, citing national security concerns.
Çelebi Responds
Çelebi said it is not connected to the Turkish government and follows global standards of business with no political links. The company added that most of its ownership comes from investors in countries like Canada, the US, UK, Singapore, UAE, and Europe.
Çelebi Aviation, founded in 1958, provides services like passenger handling, ramp operations, flight operations, and aircraft cleaning.
Adani Also Ends Partnership with Chinese Company DragonPass
In another move, Adani Airport Holdings also ended its deal with DragonPass, a company from China that offers access to airport lounges and travel services.
DragonPass customers will no longer be able to use lounges at Adani airports. No specific reason was given, but this happened shortly after Adani Digital Labs, the digital arm of Adani Airports, announced a partnership with DragonPass on May 8.
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DragonPass offers lounge access at over 1,300 airports worldwide and other services like dining discounts and limo bookings.
These two decisions to cut ties with Çelebi and DragonPass show that India is becoming more careful about foreign companies working in important areas like airports. This is especially true because of growing tensions with countries like China and Pakistan.
