Celebi Aviation India has strongly refuted allegations about Turkish ownership and political ties after its security clearance was revoked by Indian authorities, citing national security concerns. This move came amid strained India-Turkey relations following Ankara’s support for Pakistan during heightened tensions, especially after India’s Operation Sindoor in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
Social media claims had linked Celebi Aviation to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s family, specifically alleging ties to his daughter, Sumeyye Erdogan. In a detailed statement issued on Wednesday, Celebi categorically dismissed these assertions as "false and misleading," clarifying that no member of Erdogan’s family holds any stake in the company.
According to Celebi, ownership rests with the Celebioglu family — Can Celebioglu and Canan Celebioglu — who are not politically affiliated. Additionally, 65% of Celebi Havacilik Holding A.S., the parent firm, is owned by institutional investors from countries like Canada, the US, the UK, Singapore, UAE, and Western Europe. Specifically:
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Actera Partners II L.P., a Jersey-registered fund, holds 50%
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Alpha Airport Services BV, a Dutch firm, owns 15%
The company emphasized its compliance with Indian aviation and national security norms, noting that its facilities are routinely inspected by agencies such as CISF, BCAS, and AAI.
Celebi’s security clearance was revoked by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), impacting its operations at Delhi Airport’s cargo terminal, one of nine major Indian airports where the company manages critical functions like ground handling and cargo movement.
In response, Celebi affirmed its commitment to India’s aviation sector, stating, “We are confident that facts, transparency, and common sense will prevail over misinformation.”
