Bengaluru Airport Terminates Contract with Çelebi

Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport has officially ended its ground-handling contract with Turkish company Celebi Aviation, becoming the fourth major Indian airport to do so amid growing calls for a boycott of Turkish firms.

This move comes in response to rising public pressure and online campaigns urging the cancellation of business ties with companies linked to Turkey, following recent diplomatic tensions between India and Turkey. Bengaluru joins Delhi, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad airports, all of which have already terminated agreements with Çelebi.

The decision marks a significant shift in airport operations across the country, especially considering Çelebi’s wide presence in India’s aviation sector. The firm had previously handled ground operations such as baggage services, aircraft towing, and passenger handling at several key airports.

While Bengaluru Airport has not issued a detailed public statement, sources confirm the contract’s termination aligns with the growing sentiment to support national interests and re-evaluate foreign partnerships.

Industry experts suggest this may encourage airports to look at local alternatives or diversify ground-handling partnerships going forward. The Ministry of Civil Aviation is also monitoring developments as airports reassess service providers under both operational and diplomatic considerations.

As India’s aviation sector continues to grow, such decisions reflect how geopolitical issues are beginning to influence commercial aviation contracts, prompting a more cautious and country-first approach in the industry.