The Delhi High Court is scheduled to hear petitions from Celebi Airport Services India and another firm on Monday, May 19. These petitions challenge the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security's (BCAS) decision to revoke their security clearance, citing national security interests. The revocation occurred after Turkey's support for Pakistan. The two petitions have been filed by Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd and Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India Pvt Ltd.

Celebi has been operating in the Indian aviation sector for over 15 years, employing over 10,000 people and offering services at nine airports. The BCAS order stated that the security clearance for Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd is revoked with immediate effect in the interest of national security. The security clearance was initially granted in November 2022.

Celebi handles approximately 58,000 flights and 540,000 tonnes of cargo annually in India. It operates at Mumbai, Delhi, Cochin, Kannur, Bangalore, Goa, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Chennai airports. Celebi Aviation India has stated that it remains in full compliance with Indian aviation, national security, and tax regulations, and operates with complete transparency. The company has rejected all allegations regarding its ownership and operations in India, reaffirming its commitment to the country's aviation sector.

Delhi airport operator DIAL has formally ended its association with Celebi entities responsible for ground handling and cargo operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport. Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd and Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India Pvt Ltd were overseeing ground handling and cargo terminal functions, respectively.

In related news, the US is reportedly easing sanctions on Türkiye’s defense industry and has approved a major arms deal, according to President Recep Erdogan. The restrictions were imposed in 2020 under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) due to Türkiye’s purchase of Russian S-400 air defense missile systems. Erdogan stated that CAATSA sanctions are being eased following discussions with the new American ambassador to Türkiye. He also mentioned a phone call with Trump, during which they discussed the removal of barriers between the two NATO allies, including finalizing a $23 billion deal for F-16 fighter jets and reinstating Türkiye in the F-35 fighter jet program.

Trump is reportedly open to Türkiye’s return to the F-35 program if the S-400 system is dismantled or relocated to a US-controlled base. Erdogan and Trump also discussed Syria, Gaza, and efforts to end the Ukraine conflict. Türkiye hosted the first direct Russia-Ukraine negotiations in three years in Istanbul, during which the two sides agreed to a prisoner swap.