New Delhi: The Adani Group has recently cut its partnerships with some Turkish and Chinese companies working in India’s airport sector. The main reason behind this move is national security and rising tensions between countries. These actions happened after Turkey supported Pakistan following a military clash with India. This step also shows India’s increasing worry about foreign companies that may have links to countries it doesn’t fully trust.
Turkish partnership ends
Adani Airport Holdings suddenly ended its deal with a Turkish company named Celebi Airport Services, this company was handling about 70% of operations at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Their work included important things like cargo handling, flight support, and bridge management.
Just before this decision, India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation cancelled Celebi’s security clearance, saying it was done “in the interest of national security.” People also raised concerns because Celebi is partly owned by Sumeyye Erdogan, daughter of Turkey’s President Erdogan. Her husband, Selcuk Bayraktar, makes military drones that Pakistan uses.
Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, said public pressure also played a big role in this decision.
Adani also cancelled a new deal with a Chinese company called DragonPass. This Guangzhou-based company offers lounge access at airports. The partnership, announced on May 8, 2025, would have allowed DragonPass users to enter lounges at Adani-managed airports like Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Lucknow.
But just a week later, Adani Digital Labs called off the partnership. They clearly said that DragonPass users will no longer be allowed in these lounges.
DragonPass may be registered in the UK, but it is still controlled by its Chinese parent company. In 2023, it made about £142 million. Adani first said this deal would make travel easier for customers, but now they’ve changed their mind due to the tense situation between the countries.
These decisions happened after a military action by India called “Operation Sindoor.” This was in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 Indian tourists. After this, Turkey openly supported Pakistan, which made Indians angry. Social media also saw trends like #BoycottTurkey, and the government stepped in by cancelling Celebi’s permission to operate.
What this means for travelers
Because of this change, Celebi’s services at Mumbai and Ahmedabad airports will now be handled by new companies chosen by Adani. Also, DragonPass users will lose access to lounges in seven Adani-managed airports. However, this won’t affect regular passengers who are not using DragonPass.
Bigger picture
These decisions show that business and national security are more connected now than before. India seems to be taking a tougher stand against companies linked to rival countries. This also sends a message that foreign firms working in important sectors like aviation must be more careful.
Adani’s quick U-turn on DragonPass shows how fast things can change during international tensions. The company also said that it is making sure travelers don’t face problems and is already working with other vendors.
