Ground handler Çelebi Aviation has had its Indian operating permits suspended over national security concerns.
The Turkey-headquartered company, which provides cargo handling services at several Indian airports, said it had received notification from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) of India suspending its operating permits.
Turkey recently backed Pakistan during its four-day conflict with India.
”In accordance with Indian regulations, our ground handling and cargo warehouse operations at the affected airports have been suspended,” the company said.
Çelebi said that it had not received any warnings or penalties related to national security matters to date.
”We are closely monitoring the situation and cooperating fully with the relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and BCAS, while adhering to all applicable regulations,” the company said in a statement.
”We would like to emphasise that all our operations have always been conducted in strict compliance with the relevant legal requirements. In all countries where we operate, we possess valid licenses and fully comply with applicable security regulations.”
Çelebi also pointed out that it had international ownership and was majority owned by international investors from Canada, the US, the UK, Singapore, the UAE and Western Europe.
The company is now taking its case to court as it tries to get the decision overturned.
”We are following the process diligently and within the legal framework, in close cooperation with the relevant local authorities. To date, all our operations have been carried out in full compliance with regulations,” the statement continued.
“During this period, we are taking every necessary measure to protect the rights of our employees, ensure the sustainability of working conditions, and minimise the potential impact of developments on our workforce.”
Çelebi operates a total of nine stations in India, consisting of Mumbai, Delhi, Cochin, Kannur, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Goa(GOX) and Ahmedabad & and Chennai.
According to its website, the company handles around 540,000 tons of cargo each year in the country.
