Indian Airports Drop Turkish, Chinese Partners Amid Geopolitical Tensions

May 19th, 2025 at 11:00 PM EDT

Photo Credit: Representational Image: Turkey-based Celebi's ground handling services. Celebi

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The India-Pakistan armed conflict may have ended, but the fallout continues to impact how Indian travel companies conduct business.

Indian airports have terminated agreements with Turkish and Chinese firms for their support for Pakistan during the India-Pakistan armed conflict earlier this month. This comes after several Indian travel companies suspended new bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan.

On Thursday, India revoked the security clearance for Turkey-based Celebi’s airport operations in what it called the “interest of national security.” The company provides airport ground handling services at New Delhi, Kerala, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Goa airports. Shortly after, Delhi airport said it had “officially ended its association” with the company for its ground and cargo operations. In response, Celebi filed a lawsuit against India on Friday.

Celebi’s operations were replaced by Indian counterparts IndoThai, AISATS, and the Bird Group at Mumbai and Delhi airports overnight.

Also on Thursday, Adani Airports Holdings said that it was terminating its recent

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Indian Airports Drop Turkish, Chinese Partners Amid Geopolitical Tensions

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