Mumbai Airport appoints Indo Thai as interim ground handler after Celebi exit; Turkish firm challenges security clearance revocation in Delhi HC

Indo Thai to manage ground handling at Mumbai Airport for 3 months

Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) announced on Friday that Indo Thai Airport Services will handle ground operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) for the next three months, effective immediately. The appointment follows the termination of Turkish firm Celebi NAS’s concession agreements after its security clearance was revoked by the Indian government.

In a statement, MIAL confirmed, “Indo Thai Airport Services has been appointed as the interim ground handling provider at CSMIA with immediate effect.”

A joint meeting with airlines was also held to ensure a seamless transition.

Employee transfers and service continuity

To maintain operational stability, MIAL assured that all existing Celebi NAS employees at CSMIA will be transferred to Indo Thai Airport Services on their current terms and conditions. The airport also stated that Celebi’s ground handling equipment will be leased to Indo Thai, ensuring uninterrupted service delivery.

MIAL will initiate a Request for Proposal (RFP) process within three days to select a long-term ground handling partner, who will be onboarded in the next three months.

Background: Celebi’s security clearance revoked

The decision to terminate Celebi’s contracts stems from the Union government’s revocation of its security clearance, citing national security concerns. The move followed Turkey’s public support for Pakistan after India’s retaliatory strikes on terror camps during Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians.

Celebi challenges government order in Delhi High Court

In response, Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd has filed a petition in the Delhi High Court challenging the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security’s (BCAS) decision to revoke its clearance. The plea is expected to be heard next week.

Celebi has denied all allegations related to its ownership and operations in India. In a statement, the company emphasized its compliance with Indian aviation, national security, and tax laws and reaffirmed its commitment to India’s aviation sector.

Delhi Airport also ends Celebi partnership

Simultaneously, Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) officially ended its partnership with Celebi for ground handling and cargo operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA). Operations previously managed by Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd and Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India Pvt Ltd are now being transitioned to other service providers.

Celebi’s presence in India

Celebi has been part of India’s aviation ecosystem for over 15 years, handling approximately 58,000 flights and 5.4 lakh tonnes of cargo annually across nine airports, including Mumbai, Delhi, Cochin, Kannur, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Goa, Ahmedabad, and Chennai.

However, its future in India remains uncertain after the BCAS revoked its security clearance, originally granted in November 2022, amid rising tensions over Turkey’s alleged military cooperation with Pakistan.

With Indo Thai stepping in as the interim ground handling partner at Mumbai Airport, and Celebi’s legal challenge pending in court, India’s aviation sector is witnessing a significant operational shift. The swift transition aims to ensure uninterrupted services while addressing national security concerns.

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