NEW DELHI: Indian government on Thursday announced revocation of security clearance for Turkish cargo firm, that was also operating ground handling for a majority of international airlines in the country since its contract with GMR-run DIAL in 2008.
The decision comes amid nationwide outrage that Turkey had waged a war against India by supplying drones and ammunition to Pakistan in the escalation following Pahalgam terror attack.
The Turkish drones were caught and destroyed by Indian Air Force and Army with the aid of S400, Akash and other air defence (AD) system.
Celebi Delhi is a joint venture between Celebi Turkey and DIAL, with 76 % majority stake.
Celebi Delhi is a subsidiary of Celebi Turkey.
Celebi was handling contracts at airports in Delhi, Goa, Ahmedabad, Kannur, Cochin, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru.
It was directly handling services for more than 250 international airlines in India.
The company had deposited a security of Rs 250 crore till 2034 to run operations.
Company’s CEO Kamlesh Peri didn’t reply to the questions sent by The New Indian team.
Sources in Celebi told The New Indian that Peri has gone on a leave and was not reachable by Indian authorities in fear of raid or investigations on any surveillance or lapses.
The company only operates in Germany, Hungary and Tanzania apart from India.
Celebi Delhi till this year handled 465 metric tonnes of cargo, generating a revenue of more than Rs 688 crore.
