GMR Airports has taken over cargo terminal operations at IGIA after Çelebi’s security clearance was revoked, marking a crucial shift to strengthen national security and ensure operational continuity.
GMR Airports Limited has officially taken over cargo terminal operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA). This happened after the Central government revoked the security clearance of the Turkish ground handling company Çelebi NAS Airport Services India Private Limited. This action was taken amid rising concerns over national security.
Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), a subsidiary of GMR Airports Limited, along with Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), has ended its association with Çelebi entities responsible for ground handling and cargo operations at IGIA. The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) issued a directive on May 15, 2025, to revoke Çelebi Airport Services India's security clearance with immediate effect in the interest of national security.
Transition and continuity of operations
DIAL stated that Çelebi Airport Services India and Çelebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India Private Limited were managing ground handling and cargo terminal operations, respectively. Following the termination of services, the airport is coordinating with existing partners to ensure continuity of operations while safeguarding employee interests. It is also engaging with pre-approved cargo handlers to maintain seamless cargo services.
Similarly, RGIA confirmed that it is working with alternative service providers and coordinating with regulatory authorities to enable a smooth transition and ensure uninterrupted operations.
Security concerns behind the move
The government's decision follows discoveries during the India-Pakistan border escalation under Operation Sindoor, where Turkish-origin Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) components were found. Officials cited "concrete evidence of hostile technologies" allegedly sourced from foreign entities, prompting closer scrutiny of Çelebi's Indian operations.
Çelebi handled roughly 65% of Indian aviation traffic across nine airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and others. The company managed ground operations for major airlines and carried out high-security tasks at key airports, covering about 58,000 flights annually with 7,800 employees in India.
Çelebi's response and future outlook
Despite the security clearance revocation, Çelebi Aviation India has strongly denied any political affiliations or ownership links to the Turkish government. The company emphasised that it is majority-owned (65 per cent) by international institutional investors from Canada, the US, the UK, Singapore, the UAE and Western Europe.
Following the government directive, DIAL terminated its concession agreement with Çelebi immediately. To ensure continuity, the cargo terminal concession at IGIA has been granted to GMR Airports on existing terms, utilising its security clearance as a regulated agent for cargo business.
DIAL also assured that all employees currently on Çelebi's rolls for cargo and ground handling will be transitioned to new service providers without changes to their existing terms and conditions.
Strengthening national security and airport operations
This change represents a key step in safeguarding India's aviation infrastructure. It highlights the government's focus on national security while ensuring operational stability at one of the country's busiest airports. GMR Airports is now tasked with managing the cargo terminal efficiently, maintaining seamless services for airlines and cargo clients alike.
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