New Delhi:
Turkey’s backing of Pakistan during the recent tensions with India has sparked significant backlash. Many Indians have taken to social media to express their displeasure, threatening to boycott Turkey following claims that it supplied drones to Pakistan after India’s operation Sindoah, which was a response to a terrorist attack in Pahargam that claimed 26 lives on April 22nd.
Although there’s been a pause in cross-border firing in recent days, resentment towards Turkey appears to be mounting.
In this context, Celebi Airlines, a Turkish firm involved in essential services at various Indian airports, is now facing scrutiny.
About Celebi Airlines
Celebi Airlines Holding, established in 1958 as Turkey’s first privately owned ground handling service, has evolved into a global player in aviation services. They offer a range of operations including ramp handling, passenger and freight services, warehouse management, and premium airport lounge services. The company boasts over 15,000 employees and operates in 70 locations across three continents and six countries.
Celebi Airlines in India
Celebi Airlines established its presence in India to provide world-class ground handling services. Shortly after, it set up two entities: Celebi Airport Services India, managing ground processing, and Celebidelli Cargo Terminal Management India, overseeing ground handling and freight services, particularly at Delhi International Airport.
Over the last decade, Celebi has expanded its operations in India considerably, currently active in nine major airports—Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Goa, Cochin, and Kannur. Collectively, these facilities handle over 540,000 tonnes of cargo annually, employing around 7,800 people.
What Celebi Airlines does
Celebi Aviation undertakes critical security functions at Indian airports, vital for smooth airport operations.
This includes ramp services, controlling the aircraft on the ground, load control for proper balance during flights, and managing the boarding bridge for passenger access to the aircraft.
Additionally, they oversee freight and postal services, as well as warehouse management, both requiring strict adherence to security protocols for sensitive products.
Celebi also manages general aviation services, which often cater to civil or VIP flights.
