Adani Ends Partnership with Turkish Firm Celebi at Airports
In a recent development, Adani Airport Holdings has terminated its partnership with ground handling firm Celebi at Mumbai and Ahmedabad airports. The decision comes after the Indian government revoked Celebi’s security clearance due to national security concerns.
Celebi, a Turkish-based company, had been operating at the two airports in partnership with Adani since 2019. The firm was responsible for providing ground handling services, including baggage handling, passenger check-in, and aircraft fuelling. However, the Indian government’s decision to revoke Celebi’s security clearance has forced Adani to seek alternative arrangements.
Adani Airport Holdings, a subsidiary of the Adani Group, has assured that the termination of the partnership will not disrupt airport operations. The company has transferred Celebi’s staff to other ground handling agencies to ensure smooth operations and maintain service standards.
The decision to end the partnership comes amid growing concerns about national security in the country. Celebi has denied any links to the Turkish government, stating that it is majority-owned by global investors. The company has also emphasized its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of security and compliance with Indian regulations.
The partnership between Adani and Celebi was initially marked by controversy. In 2020, the then-Union Civil Aviation Minister, Hardeep Singh Puri, had expressed concerns about Celebi’s security clearance, citing national security concerns. The matter was subsequently taken up by the Ministry of Home Affairs, which revoked Celebi’s security clearance in March 2022.
In response to the revocation, Celebi had filed a writ petition in the Delhi High Court, challenging the government’s decision. However, the court dismissed the petition, upholding the government’s decision to revoke Celebi’s security clearance.
The termination of the partnership is a significant development in the airport sector, which has been experiencing rapid growth in recent years. India’s airport infrastructure has been undergoing significant expansion, with the government investing heavily in the development of new airports and the modernization of existing ones.
The partnership between Adani and Celebi was seen as a significant step in the expansion of India’s airport sector. Celebi had brought in cutting-edge technology and expertise to the Indian market, with a focus on providing high-quality ground handling services to airlines.
However, the controversy surrounding Celebi’s security clearance had raised concerns about the security implications of foreign firms operating in the airport sector. The revocation of Celebi’s security clearance has sent a strong signal to foreign firms operating in the sector, emphasizing the importance of national security and compliance with Indian regulations.
In conclusion, the termination of the partnership between Adani and Celebi at Mumbai and Ahmedabad airports is a significant development in the airport sector. While Celebi has denied any links to the Turkish government, the controversy surrounding its security clearance has raised concerns about national security.
Adani Airport Holdings has assured that the termination of the partnership will not disrupt airport operations, with staff being transferred to other ground handling agencies. The decision is a significant step in the expansion of India’s airport sector, with a focus on providing high-quality services to airlines and passengers.
Source: https://thecsrjournal.in/adani-ends-turkish-firm-celebi-partnership-mumbai-ahmedabad-airports/
