Billionaire Gautam Adani’s conglomerate is exploring bids to provide ground handling services at Mumbai and Ahmedabad airports as part of its strategy to diversify into new business areas. This move follows the exit of Turkish operator Celebi Hava Servisi AS from India after its security clearance was revoked due to national security concerns.

Speaking at an aviation industry event in New Delhi, Adani Airport Holdings Ltd CEO Arun Bansal confirmed that the company is “evaluating” bids for these two airports. A closely held unit of flagship Adani Enterprises Ltd, Adani Airport Holdings currently operates eight airports across India, including Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and the upcoming facility in Navi Mumbai.

This expansion aligns with Adani’s broader approach of growing into allied sectors that complement its existing ports, power, and infrastructure businesses. The opportunity arose following Celebi’s abrupt withdrawal last month, after India’s civil aviation security agency revoked its security clearance. Celebi operated ground handling at nine Indian airports, including major hubs in New Delhi and Mumbai. Its exit came after Turkey expressed support for Pakistan during recent conflict tensions with India.

If successful, Adani would become the third ground handling service provider at both Mumbai and Ahmedabad airports, in line with Indian regulations requiring all major airports with over a million annual passengers to have three such operators.

India’s aviation sector is poised for significant growth, driven by ongoing investment from major airlines and government-backed infrastructure projects. The country currently has over 140 operational airports and plans to increase this number to 350 by 2047, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets.