Adani Airport Holdings has officially terminated its ground-handling partnership with Turkish firm Çelebi Aviation at Mumbai and Ahmedabad airports, following a national security directive issued by India’s Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). The revocation of Çelebi’s security clearance has triggered a swift handover of responsibilities to new ground-handling agencies, signaling a high-stakes shift in India’s civil aviation landscape.
This strategic and security-driven move comes against a complex geopolitical backdrop. The revocation is reportedly tied to diplomatic tensions following “Operation Sindoor” and Turkey’s alleged alignment with Pakistan—allegations Turkey has denied. Nevertheless, the Indian government has acted decisively, reinforcing that national interest takes precedence over commercial arrangements.
Adani’s rapid response includes onboarding new, vetted ground-handling partners while ensuring all of Çelebi’s staff at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Mumbai) and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (Ahmedabad) are retained on existing employment terms. This is a critical step in preserving service continuity and protecting employment, as well as maintaining stability across some of India’s busiest aviation hubs.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation and airport operators like Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) have echoed the sentiment. DIAL, which had already ended its relationship with Çelebi at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, has moved quickly to partner with agencies like AISATS and Bird Group. Their focus remains on ensuring smooth passenger experiences and cargo operations during this abrupt transition.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has reiterated the government’s stance: “National interest and public safety are paramount and non-negotiable.” The ministry is closely coordinating with airports to implement interim measures while long-term tenders for new ground-handling service providers are being floated.
This episode brings into focus the evolving contours of airport management in India. With private airport operators playing increasingly strategic roles, decisions like these reflect a more assertive alignment between business operations and national policy imperatives. Ground-handling services, while operationally behind the scenes, are integral to airport security, logistics, and the broader travel ecosystem. As such, the scrutiny around foreign partnerships in this sector is intensifying.
For Adani Airport Holdings, this decision reinforces its commitment to compliance, continuity, and capability. The swift, coordinated handover underscores its ability to respond to geopolitical headwinds without compromising service delivery.
As global aviation becomes a more sensitive arena—where national security and international business often intersect—the message is clear: airport operations in India are being reshaped by both internal policy and external diplomacy. Adani’s exit from its partnership with Çelebi is more than just a commercial shift—it’s a case study in strategic realignment.
