GMR Airports Ltd (GAL) has officially assumed control of cargo operations at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport following the termination of services by Turkish firm Celebi. The transition comes in the wake of a significant national security decision by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), which revoked the security clearance of Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd on May 15. The revocation was carried out citing concerns related to the “interest of national security,” though no detailed public explanation has been issued.
Celebi had been managing ground handling services through Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd and overseeing cargo terminal operations via Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India Pvt Ltd. Both entities had played a key role in supporting cargo and logistical functions at one of India’s busiest airports.
With GMR stepping in, the airport is expected to continue its operations seamlessly, ensuring minimal disruption to cargo handling services. As the airport’s operator, GMR Infrastructure has significant experience managing critical airport operations and logistics. The development marks a strategic shift in the airport’s cargo handling ecosystem and underscores the government’s growing emphasis on aligning aviation operations with national security priorities. The move is expected to have broader implications for foreign participation in sensitive sectors going forward.