India's aviation security regulator on Thursday revoked the security clearance of an Indian arm of Turkish airport ground handling major Celebi Aviation Holding with immediate effect, saying the move was in the interest of "national security".The government's decision follows reports that the Pakistani army used Turkish drones against India in the conflict last week."In the exercise of power conferred upon BCAS (Bureau of Civil Aviation Security) on Thursday, the security clearance in r/o Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd is hereby revoked with immediate effect in the interest of national security. This issues with the approval of DG, BCAS," said BCAS in an order issued on Thursday, which was reviewed by ET.Also Read: Indians boycott Turkey, Azerbaijan for backing Pakistan after Operation SindoorCelebi issued a statement saying it is majority-owned (65%) by international institutional investors from Canada, the US, UK, Singapore and the UAE. It also denied that the family of Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan owns any stake in the company."We are led and managed by Indian professionals, deeply invested in the country, and committed to its growth. We are not a Turkish organisation by any standard," it said in the statement.Over the last 10 years, the Modi government had renewed security clearance for the firm twice, the last being in 2022.Ground handling includes services like passenger handling and check-in, baggage handling, cargo handling and management, aircraft servicing and maintenance, ramp services and catering.Civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu said arrangements have been made at all airports affected to ensure seamless handling of passengers and cargo."We are also deploying special teams to oversee operations and address any emerging issues in real time. We will continue to uphold national security while ensuring ease of travel and cargo movement across the country," he said.Industry sources said that BCAS has given time till May 19 for other ground handling agencies to take over Celebi's operation. All major airports have at least three ground handlers to ensure fair competition.
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