Celebi's clarification on cancellation of security license, said- 'We are neither a Turkish company nor have any relation with Erdogan family'

News Topical, Digital Desk : Celebi Aviation India has clarified after the cancellation of its security license that it has no connection with Sumeyye Erdogan, daughter of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The company has also claimed that it is not a Turkish company. Celebi Aviation issued a statement saying that it follows all the standards as per Indian security agencies and is committed to do so in future as well. 

Denying the allegations circulating on social media about its ownership and operations in India, the company said that these allegations are misleading and factually incorrect. Meanwhile, Delhi's Indira Gandhi Airport has terminated its agreement with the company.

Who owns a stake in the company

Celebi's official statement said, "We are not a Turkish company by any standards and fully adhere to globally accepted practices of corporate governance, transparency and neutrality, having no political ties with any foreign governments or individuals." Celebi Aviation India emphasized that it is a professionally governed, globally operated aviation services company, with majority stakes held by international institutional investors from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and Western Europe.

Celebi Aviation explained that 65% of its stake is held by these international investors, with Jersey-registered fund Actera Partners II L.P. holding a 50% stake in Celebi Havacılık Holding A.S., and the remaining 15% held by Dutch-registered entity Alpha Airport Services B.V.

was founded in Türkiye

Celebi Aviation was founded in 1958 by the Celebioglu family as Turkey's first private and independent ground handling company. The company has been operating in India for over 15 years and is a significant player in the private ground handling sector, directly employing over 10,000 Indians and supporting thousands of families. Celebi Aviation has invested over $220 million in long-term infrastructure and operates at nine of India's busiest airports.

Cleaning up Celebi Aviation

Commenting on rumours of political affiliations and links with the Turkish government, Celebi Aviation categorically rejected claims that it has any links with the Turkish government or political figures. The company specifically denied allegations involving Sümeye Erdoğan, daughter of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and stated that she has no shareholding or ownership in the parent organisation. Turkey's shareholding is limited solely to Can Celebiyoğlu and Canan Celebiyoğlu, members of the founding Çelebiyoğlu family, each holding a 17.5% stake, and they have no links to any political affiliations or organisations.

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