Adani Airport Holdings has officially terminated its ground handling concession agreements with Turkish aviation firm Celebi at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) and Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA). This move follows the Indian government’s revocation of Celebi’s security clearance.
Mumbai: Adani Airport Holdings has officially terminated its ground handling agreements with Turkish aviation company Celebi at Mumbai and Ahmedabad airports. The move follows the Indian government’s revocation of Celebi’s security clearance.
According to a company spokesperson, “Celebi has been directed to immediately hand over all ground handling facilities to ensure uninterrupted airport operations.”
Why Was Celebi’s Clearance Revoked?
The decision was made in response to evolving national aviation security policies that scrutinize foreign contractors more rigorously.
Adani stressed that operations at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) and Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) will remain unaffected. New ground handling agencies are being deployed, and all Celebi employees will be absorbed with their existing contracts intact.
Implications for Indian Aviation
Adani Airport Holdings currently manages seven airports in India and reaffirmed its commitment to seamless passenger service and national interest.
This development underlines India’s tightened security stance under the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s guidelines and is expected to influence future partnerships with international ground handling firms.
While Celebi’s exit marks a strategic shift, Adani’s proactive approach ensures operational continuity and aligns with India’s broader aviation security goals.
Why the Partnership Ended
In a formal statement released on Thursday, Adani Airport Holdings confirmed that it directed Celebi to immediately hand over all ground handling facilities to ensure uninterrupted operations. The decision, the company clarified, was made strictly in compliance with the Union government’s order on security clearance.
“Following the government of India’s decision, we have terminated the ground handling concession agreements with Celebi. Ground handling operations at both airports will remain unaffected,” said an Adani Airports spokesperson.
What Happens to Celebi Employees?
In an effort to protect jobs and maintain continuity, Adani stated that all existing Celebi employees at both airports will be transferred to the new ground handling agencies on the same terms and conditions of employment.
This reassures stakeholders and passengers that the shift in service providers will be seamless and without disruptions.
Airports Operated by Adani Airport Holdings
Adani Airport Holdings currently manages several key airports across India, including:
- Mumbai – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA)
- Ahmedabad – Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA)
- Mangalore International Airport
- Guwahati – Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport
- Jaipur International Airport
- Lucknow – Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport
- Thiruvananthapuram International Airport
Commitment to Seamless Operations
Adani reiterated that all operations will continue normally through newly appointed agencies, ensuring no impact on airline schedules or passenger services. “We are fully committed to upholding the highest standards of service and national interest,” said the company.
Why Was Celebi’s Clearance Revoked?
Although specific details were not publicly disclosed, the revocation of Celebi’s security clearance reportedly relates to geopolitical and national security concerns surrounding foreign ground handling agencies operating in sensitive infrastructure like international airports.
This aligns with India’s ongoing efforts to secure critical aviation assets and reduce dependency on foreign contractors in high-security zones.
What This Means for India’s Aviation Industry
This move highlights the increasing role of security audits and geopolitical considerations in India’s civil aviation sector. It also underscores Adani Airport Holdings’ growing influence and rapid response capability in managing large-scale aviation infrastructure.