Çelebi Aviation, one of the leading players in the international ground handling services sector, has announced that it has filed two separate arbitration cases against the Airports Authority of India following the cancellation of its operational permits in the country. The company took this legal step to protect its rights in response to what it claims was the unjust termination of its concession agreement at Chennai International Airport.
7,800 employees affected
Çelebi Aviation operates at six different airports in India and had created employment for around 7,800 people in the region. However, following the cancellation of a security clearance issued for its local subsidiary, Celebi GS Chennai Private Limited (CGSC), by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) under the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation on national security grounds, the company’s operations in Chennai were severely disrupted.
Statement made to the Public Disclosure Platform (KAP)
In a statement submitted to the Public Disclosure Platform (KAP), Çelebi Aviation said the following:
“As disclosed in our Material Event Statement dated 27 May 2025, due to the cancellation of the security clearance of our wholly-owned subsidiary, Celebi GS Chennai Private Limited (‘CGSC’), by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security under the Ministry of Civil Aviation of India on the grounds of national security concerns, and as a result of the unjust unilateral termination of the Ground Handling Concession Agreement related to CGSC’s operations at Chennai International Airport, two arbitration cases with requests for interim injunctions were filed on 26 and 27 May 2025 before the High Court of Judicature at Madras against the Airports Authority of India.”
Legal process closely monitored
Çelebi Aviation continues to closely monitor its operations and the legal process in India. Company officials emphasise that all necessary steps will be taken to protect its rights under international law.
