Latest news with #CelebiAviation
India Today
07-07-2025
- Business
- India Today
Delhi High Court rejects Celebi's plea challenging revocation of security clearance
The Delhi High Court has issued a 94-page verdict upholding the cancellation of Celebi Aviation's ground handling contract at Indian airports. The Turkish company had challenged the decision, citing lack of adequate hearing and violation of natural justice. However, the court emphasised that national security takes precedence over the company's interests. Justice Sachin Dutta's bench ruled that the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has the authority to revoke security clearances based on intelligence inputs. The court accepted the government's submission of evidence in a sealed cover, stating the necessity of maintaining secrecy in matters of national security. The verdict highlighted the need to eliminate possibilities of espionage or dual logistics, especially in the event of external conflicts.
India Today
07-07-2025
- Business
- India Today
Political row over Muharram: RJD leaders' participation sparks controversy
4:18 The Delhi High Court has issued a 94-page verdict upholding the cancellation of Celebi Aviation's ground handling contract at Indian airports. The Turkish company had challenged the decision, citing lack of adequate hearing and violation of natural justice.
Hindustan Times
07-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Setback for Turkish firm Celebi as Delhi HC junks plea against revocation of security clearance
The Delhi high court on Monday dismissed Turkey-based firm Celebi Aviation's plea against the revoking of its security clearance in India. Celebi provided ground handling services at nine key airports in India. Celebi entered India's aviation industry through the Mumbai airport in 2008. (REUTERS/File) Celebi Aviation's security clearance was revoked by the Centre over national security concerns. The firm's licence was cancelled by the security wing of the ministry of civil aviation – the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). In its filing, the firm called the decision 'unsustainable', while saying that no proper reason had been given for the revocation, and that it was done without prior notice, News 18 reported. The firm had entered India's aviation industry through the Mumbai airport in 2008, eventually expanding its services to Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Cochin, Kannur, Goa (GOX), and Ahmedabad. It assisted in flight operations, passenger services, cargo handling, bridge operation and warehouse management. The company was founded in 1958 and is currently present in 70 locations across the globe. Why did Celebi come under the BCAS scanner? The Centre revoked the firm's security clearance in May earlier this year. The aviation security regulator had said in a statement that the decision was taken due to 'national interests'. While BCAS did not provide any official reason for the revocation, the decision came in the backdrop of India's heightened tensions with Turkey after it backed Pakistan. Turkey also condemned India's counter-terrorism military strikes against Pakistan under Operation Sindoor. Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation, Murlidhar Mohol, also said that the decision had been taken in view of 'the call to protect national interests'. Following the BCAS order, Celebi Aviation India said they had no 'political affilitations' or 'links to any foreign government or individuals'. 'We are not a Turkish organisation by any standard and adhere fully to globally accepted practices of corporate governance, transparency, and neutrality, with no political affiliations or links to any foreign government or individuals," the firm said.
India.com
30-05-2025
- Business
- India.com
India Cuts Aviation Ties With Turkey? Know Why IndiGo Told To End Lease Amid Operation Sindoor Row
In a significant diplomatic move after Turkey's overt support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, the Indian government has asked budget airline IndiGo to cancel its aircraft leasing agreement with Turkish Airlines. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has extended a final three-month reprieve to IndiGo, enabling it to keep two leased Boeing 777 planes in operation till August 31, 2025. The action comes at the heels of the Centre's decision to withdraw the security clearance of Turkey-associated ground handling firm Celebi Aviation that held presence at nine international airports across India, including Delhi. Citing national security, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said, "Turkey had openly supported Pakistan. In view of the current situation, this has become an issue of national security." Extension of damp lease of two B777-300ER aircraft by IndiGo Airlines from Turkish Airlines. DGCA says, "IndiGo is currently operating two B777-300ER aircraft under damp lease from Turkish Airline, which was permitted upto 31.05.2025. IndiGo requested for a further extension of… — ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2025 Final Extension For IndiGo-Turkish Pact IndiGo's initial lease authorisation was effective until May 31. The carrier had requested a six-month extension to keep the wide-body planes flying on international long-haul routes. The ministry, however, turned it down and gave a one-time final extension. "IndiGo has been granted a one-time last and final extension of three months up to 31.08.2025 for these damp-leased aircraft, based on the undertaking from the airline that they will terminate the lease with Turkish Airlines within this extension period, and shall not seek any further extension," stated the ministry in a release. IndiGo also has a codeshare agreement with Turkish Airlines. In an interview with NDTV earlier, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers confirmed that the airline is in line with Indian regulations but is ready to adjust if policies change. "If the government were to change its set of rules, of course we will comply,' Elbers said. 'Our only pressure is ensuring service continuity for customers who have placed their trust in us." Turkey's Role During Operation Sindoor Turkey had infuriated India after giving firm diplomatic backing to Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals. While India carried out cross-border retaliation — codenamed Operation Sindoor — Turkish-made drones were said to have been used by Pakistan to launch a counterattack. The missiles and drones fired from across the border were largely countered by India's state-of-the-art air defense systems, including the S-400 and local missile systems, during three days of conflict. Legal Hurdles For Celebi Aviation After the ban on Celebi Aviation, the Turkish company approached several high courts questioning the decision of the government. While hearing one such petition, the Delhi High Court observed, "The rule is better safe than sorry," in effect supporting the government's cautious approach. Since diplomatic pressure continues, Centre's instruction to cut aviation relations with Turkish players is being viewed as part of a wider gamut to combat states openly supporting hostile activity against India.
News18
30-05-2025
- Business
- News18
IndiGo Asked To End Aircraft Lease Agreement With Turkish Airlines
Last Updated: The development comes after aviation regulator DGCA on Friday granted a three-month extension to IndiGo on damp leasing two Boeing 777 planes from Turkish Airlines. IndiGo (File Photo) In a big step against Turkish airlines, the central government on Friday asked IndiGo to end its aircraft lease agreement with Turkish Airlines within three months. The action came weeks after the government revoked the security clearance for a Turkish firm, Celebi Aviation, which handled services at nine key airports in India, including Delhi.
