In a major development aligned with India’s strong diplomatic response to Turkey’s recent foreign policy stance, the Kempegowda International Airport KIA in Bengaluru has officially terminated its ground handling contract with Çelebi, a Turkish aviation company. The move marks the fourth major Indian airport to sever ties with the firm, amid intensifying calls to boycott Turkey following the country’s open support for Pakistan during heightened bilateral tensions.

Why Bengaluru Ended Çelebi's Contract

The announcement came on Friday 16 May 2025, when the Bangalore International Airport Ltd BIAL confirmed that Çelebi’s ground handling concession agreement had been terminated. The decision follows the Government of India’s revocation of Çelebi Airport Services India Ltd’s security clearance, citing national security concerns.

Çelebi Airport Services India Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Çelebi Aviation Holding, headquartered in Istanbul Turkey. The parent firm came under the radar after Turkey extended diplomatic support to Pakistan, especially in light of the recent Pahalgam terror attack and India's Operation Sindoor, a national security crackdown against cross border terrorism.

Ensuring Seamless Airport Operations

BIAL has stated that all ground handling services previously handled by Çelebi have now been transitioned to existing service providers. This is being done in close coordination with aviation stakeholders and government authorities to avoid disruption.

We remain committed to maintaining seamless operations throughout this period of transition, BIAL said in its official statement, reassuring travelers and airline partners alike.

Çelebi's Contracts Terminated Across India

Before Bengaluru, airports in Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad had already announced similar terminations. Delhi International Airport Ltd DIAL was the first to end all cargo and ground handling operations run by Çelebi at the Indira Gandhi International Airport IGIA, citing national interest.

On Thursday 15 May, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security BCAS, which operates under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, formally issued a notification revoking Çelebi’s security clearance. The grounds cited were national security concerns and Turkey's alignment with Pakistan’s hostile rhetoric during the ongoing crisis.

Airports in Mumbai and Ahmedabad followed suit, confirming that Çelebi was directed to immediately hand over its facilities to ensure uninterrupted operations.

Government Monitoring the Transition

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has assured the public and the aviation community that the government is actively managing the transition. In a press statement, the Minister said:

Efforts are being made to ensure that Çelebi’s employees are retained and continue contributing to airport operations.

He added that special teams have been deployed across impacted airports to oversee real time issues, maintain efficiency, and uphold national security.

We are coordinating closely with airport operators and stakeholders to keep the flow of passengers and cargo undisrupted.

Çelebi Responds to Allegations

As public backlash mounted, Çelebi Aviation India issued a statement denying allegations of being politically affiliated with the Turkish government. The company said:

We are not a Turkish organisation by any standard. We adhere to global corporate governance practices, maintain neutrality, and are not aligned with any government.

Despite this, public sentiment across India continues to harden. According to recent reports, over 50 percent of travel bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan from India have been cancelled following calls for a nationwide boycott of Turkish affiliated businesses and destinations.

What’s Next for Indian Airports

With Çelebi now out of ground handling at four major Indian airports, authorities are focusing on:

• Ensuring rapid operational handovers to new ground handlers

• Retaining experienced ground staff to prevent disruptions

• Reviewing other international vendor contracts under the scanner

• Bolstering airport security protocols in light of geopolitical tensions

The Centre’s strong diplomatic message is being interpreted as a strategic economic move to realign India’s aviation sector away from nations seen as unfriendly or politically aligned with adversaries.

Background: What Triggered the Boycott

The boycott Çelebi movement was sparked after Turkey vocally supported Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of several Indian soldiers. India launched Operation Sindoor, a cross border strike on terror camps, further intensifying the diplomatic standoff.

In protest, citizens, activists, and political leaders began urging economic disengagement with Turkish companies, culminating in Çelebi’s contracts being scrutinized and ultimately cancelled.

Conclusion

The Bengaluru airport’s decision to terminate Çelebi’s ground handling agreement signals a firm alignment with national policy, as India continues to assert its sovereignty both on the ground and in the skies. The unified action across multiple airports also reflects a rare cohesion in security led policy enforcement in civil aviation — a sector often caught between diplomacy and operational pragmatism.

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