New Delhi [India], May 15 (ANI): Aviation Expert and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Avialaz Consultants, Sanjay Lazar, on Thursday welcomed the Centre's move to revoke the security clearance of Turkish firm Celebi Airport Services.

He added that the passengers will understand the 'good move for the greater good of national security.'

'I do expect turbulence. But all in all, it is a welcome move. BCAS has withdrawn the security permission, which means their staff will not be able to enter the airport. It is definitely going to disrupt airlines which are handled by Celebi NAS. I believe that passengers will understand that this is a good move for the greater good of national security,' Lazar told ANI.

Earlier today, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said that this decision was taken after multiple requests to ban the agency, recognising the call to protect national interest.

The Union MoS exhorted that ensuring the safety and interests of the nation remains the top priority of the government.

In a social media post on X, Mohol said, 'Revocation of Security Clearance of Celebi, Turkish company operating ground handling services at Indian Airports. We have received requests from across India to ban Celebi NAS Airport Services India Ltd, a Turkish company operating ground handling services at Indian airports.'

'Recognising the seriousness of the issue and the call to protect national interests, we have taken cognizance of these requests and Ministry of Civil Aviation has revoked security clearance of the said company. Ensuring the safety and interests of the nation remains our top priority,' the statement added.

The Central government has revoked the security clearance of Turkish ground-handling company Celebi NAS Airport Services, citing national security concerns.

Celebi handles about 70 per cent of ground operations at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, including passenger handling, load control, cargo services, postal services, warehouse management, and bridge operations. It also operates at multiple airports across India.

In an official order, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) stated: 'The security clearance in r/o Celebi Airport Services India Pvt. Ltd, under the category Ground Handling Agency was approved by DG, BCAS vide letter no. 15/99/2022-Delhi-BCAS/E-219110 dated 21.11.2022. In the exercise of power conferred upon DG, BCAS, the security clearance in r/o Celebi Airport Services India Pvt. Ltd is hereby revoked with immediate effect in the interest of National Security. This issues with the approval of DG, BCAS.'

The decision comes amid growing backlash against Turkey after it extended support to Pakistan during heightened tensions with India during Operation Sindoor, in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

Notably, addressing a press briefing on Friday, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi revealed that on the night of May 7 and 8, the Pakistani army violated Indian airspace several times over the entire western border to target military infrastructure.

Not only this, the Pakistani army also fired heavy-calibre weapons along the Line of Control. Around 300 to 400 drones were used to attempt infiltration at 36 locations.

She added, 'The Indian armed forces shot down many of these drones using kinetic and non-kinetic means. The possible purpose of such large-scale aerial intrusions was to test air defence systems and collect intelligence. Forensic investigation of the wreckage of the drones is being done. Initial reports suggest that they are Turkish Asisguard Songar drones...'

Moreover, following Turkey's open support for Pakistan amid recent tensions between India and its neighbour, fruit merchants expressed strong protest against apples imported from Turkey.

They condemned Turkey's stand during the India-Pak tension, calling it a betrayal to the nation and called on the central government to impose a complete ban or at least raise import duties above 100% on apples from about 44 foreign countries, particularly Turkey.

Marble traders based in Udaipur, a key hub for marble in Rajasthan, also urged the central government to put a ban on imports from Turkey, whose drones were found to be used by the Pakistani side in the recent conflict.

MakeMyTrip also urged people to avoid non-essential travel to Azerbaijan and Turkey over the two countries' support to Pakistan.

The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA), representing the Indian film industry's workers, technicians, artists, and professionals, officially announced a complete boycott of Turkey for all film shoots and cultural collaborations.

Jamia Millia Islamia has suspended all Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with Turkish educational institutions, amid escalating calls across the country to boycott Turkey over its vocal support for Pakistan during the recent conflict. (ANI)