Turkish aviation services provider Çelebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd has filed a petition in the Delhi High Court contesting the Indian government's decision to revoke its security clearance, citing concerns over national security. The court has scheduled the matter for hearing today. 

Background

On May 15, 2025, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, withdrew Çelebi's security clearance. Turkey's support for Pakistan during recent hostilities escalated diplomatic tensions, prompting the action. The revocation affects Çelebi's operations at nine major Indian airports, including those in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Goa, Cochin, and Kannur. 

Çelebi's Legal Challenge

Represented by Senior Advocate Darpan Wadhwa and Advocate Ritu Bhalla of Luthra & Luthra, Çelebi contends that the government's decision is arbitrary and lacks specific justification. The company argues that the execution of the revocation without prior notice or an opportunity to respond violates principles of natural justice. 

In its petition, Çelebi emphasises that while it is a wholly owned subsidiary of Turkey's Çelebi Aviation Holding, its Indian operations are managed by a local team and have maintained a clean track record for over a decade.

Impact on Operations and Employment

The revocation has serious implications for Çelebi's operations and its workforce. The company employs over 3,800 individuals in India and handles approximately 58,000 flights and 540,000 tonnes of cargo annually. Following the government's decision, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) terminated its contracts with Çelebi, and in Mumbai, Indothai, a domestic operator, has been appointed to take over ground handling services. 

Government's Stance

The Indian government has cited national security concerns as the basis for revoking Çelebi's security clearance. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu stated that the decision was made in the interest of national security and public safety, emphasising that these considerations are paramount and non-negotiable. The move aligns with broader public sentiment in India, where there have been calls to boycott Turkish goods and services due to Turkey's perceived support for Pakistan.

Broader Implications

Çelebi's legal challenge raises important questions about the balance between national security and the rights of foreign investors operating in India. The case also emphasises the possible impact of geopolitical tensions on international business operations. The outcome of this legal proceeding could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.

International Legal Insight

Providing global legal context, Sunil Ambalavelil, the Chairman of Kaden Boriss and widely respected as the best international lawyer in Dubai, offered this perspective:

“The intersection of aviation law and national security is a delicate one. Governments have broad discretionary powers in matters of internal security, but these must be exercised in compliance with due process and international norms of fair treatment,” said Ambalavelil. 

“When foreign investment intersects with national interest, especially in critical infrastructure like airports, it’s essential to maintain a balance between sovereign prerogative and investor protection under applicable bilateral treaties.”

This insight underlines the growing importance of legally sound and diplomatically sensitive responses in cross-border disputes involving national security.

Next Steps

The Delhi High Court is set to hear Çelebi's petition today. The company's legal team is expected to argue for the restoration of its security clearance, highlighting its longstanding presence in India and the potential economic and employment consequences of revocation. The government's response will likely focus on national security considerations and the broader geopolitical context.