Boycott Turkey Call: Mumbai, Ahmedabad Airports Drop Turkish Ground Handling Firm Celebi
Mumbai, Ahmedabad – Following the Indian government’s decision to revoke security clearance for Çelebi Airport Services India Ltd., the Mumbai and Ahmedabad airports have terminated their ground handling agreements with the Turkish company.
The move comes amid growing pressure to boycott Turkish businesses in India, stemming from Turkey’s perceived support for Pakistan in the wake of escalating tensions between the two countries.
The Background
The government revoked Çelebi’s security clearance on May 15th, citing concerns about its alleged support for Pakistan. This decision follows a similar move by Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), which ended its ties with Çelebi last week. The Indian government claims that Çelebi’s actions threaten national security.
India’s Stand
The Indian government has been facing intense public pressure to take a strong stance against Turkey, which has expressed solidarity with Pakistan in the recent border conflict. Many Indians have canceled their trips to Turkey in protest.
Çelebi’s Response
Çelebi has strongly refuted allegations of political affiliations or links to foreign governments, maintaining that it adheres to globally accepted corporate governance practices and operates independently.
Impact on Operations
Both Mumbai and Ahmedabad airports have assured travelers that ground handling operations will continue seamlessly. They plan to appoint new ground handling agencies to ensure uninterrupted services. All existing Çelebi employees at these airports will be transferred to the new agencies.
Wider Concerns
The situation highlights the growing geopolitical tensions between India and Turkey. It also raises concerns about the potential impact of these tensions on international business operations in India.
