Celebi Hava Servisi, a Turkish ground handling firm, is facing escalating legal and operational challenges in India. On 26th May, the Bombay High Court granted interim relief to its subsidiary, Celebi Nas, ordering Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) to halt finalising ground handling tenders until 12th June. The court also permitted Celebi Nas to inventory its assets, while MIAL's interim handler Indo Thai must share financial records.

However, the same day, Chennai International Airport terminated its agreement with Celebi GS Chennai Pvt Ltd, a wholly owned unit of Celebi. The contract, valid till 2033, was revoked citing national security concerns.

Celebi maintains that neither its operations nor subsidiaries have violated Indian law or security standards. It has filed arbitration applications and sought interim relief from the Madras High Court against what it called an unjust termination.

The Civil Aviation Security Bureau had earlier revoked Celebi’s clearance, following India–Pakistan tensions and allegations of Turkey supplying drones to Pakistan. This led to growing pressure and the severance of Celebi’s contracts across airports in Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai.

Celebi owns 59 per cent of Celebi Nas Airport Services India Pvt Ltd.

Source: Outlook Business