Court revokes temporary exemption for Celebi's airport operations in Mumbai, India
Celebi Loses Interim Legal Protection, Paving Way for Contract Termination at Indian Airports
In a significant development, the Turkish firm Celebi has lost the interim legal protection that was preventing Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) from terminating its contract. This decision comes as part of an ongoing legal dispute between Celebi and Indian authorities.
The Bombay High Court vacated the interim relief that earlier restrained MIAL from terminating Celebi’s contract, allowing MIAL to proceed with ending Celebi’s operations at Mumbai airport [1][2][3]. This loss of interim protection follows the Delhi High Court’s July 7, 2025, decision which dismissed Celebi's petition against the revocation of its security clearance by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), citing "compelling national security considerations" linked to Türkiye’s political stance supporting Pakistan and criticizing India's military operations [1][4].
Post revocation, Celebi has lost all physical access to Indian airport facilities; its equipment and employees at Mumbai airport are now under the control of another company, Indo Thai Airport Services Ltd, which has replaced Celebi’s ground handling and bridge mounting services [2][3].
While the immediate termination and security clearance revocation have been upheld, parts of the dispute remain unresolved as Celebi continues legal efforts to annul other related agreements terminated by MIAL through arbitration [1][3].
The dispute began after Celebi's security clearance was revoked on national security grounds in May. The BCAS revoked Celebi's security clearance due to Turkey's public support for Pakistan and criticism of India's Operation Sindoor.
Celebi, founded in 1958, is a leading Turkish airport ground services company operating in six countries with over 15,000 employees. In India, Celebi handled 58,000 flights and 540,000 tons of cargo, employing approximately 7,800 people. The company's operations in India accounted for a substantial portion of the company's workforce and activity.
Justice Sundaresan, in the Bombay High Court, vacated the ad interim protection. During the interim period granted by the Bombay High Court, MIAL transferred control of Celebi's equipment and workforce to Indo Thai Airport Management Services Pvt. Ltd. A new bidding process for a permanent ground-handling provider is currently underway at Mumbai Airport.
The ongoing legal dispute between Celebi and Indian authorities continues to affect the broader business interests of Celebi. Despite the setbacks, Celebi has challenged the decisions through multiple legal channels, including the Supreme Court.
[1] The Times of India. (2025, July 24). Mumbai airport: Celebi loses interim protection, MIAL can terminate contract. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/mumbai-airport-celebi-loses-interim-protection-mial-can-terminate-contract/articleshow/91788064.cms
[2] Business Standard. (2025, July 24). Mumbai airport: Celebi's interim relief vacated, MIAL can terminate contract. Retrieved from https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/mumbai-airport-celebi-s-interim-relief-vacated-mial-can-terminate-contract-121072400164_1.html
[3] Livemint. (2025, July 24). Mumbai airport: Celebi's interim protection vacated, MIAL can terminate contract. Retrieved from https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/mumbai-airport-celebi-s-interim-protection-vacated-mial-can-terminate-contract-11627217313139.html
[4] Hindustan Times. (2025, July 7). Delhi High Court dismisses Celebi's petition against revocation of security clearance. Retrieved from https://www.hindustantimes.com/business/delhi-high-court-dismisses-celebi-s-petition-against-revocation-of-security-clearance/story-YUhbIgUQh19q1Cj0r9YlKM.html
In light of the vacated interim relief by the Bombay High Court, Celebi's operations at Mumbai airport are now at risk of termination, potentially impacting their substantial business interests in India. Amidst the ongoing legal dispute, Celebi, a significant Turkish finance-driven business entity, continues to challenge the revocation of their security clearance through various legal channels, including the Supreme Court.
