Mumbai airport appoints interim ground handler after Celebi’s exit

The new setup will come into effect immediately and continue for the next three months, in which MIAL will launch a Request for Proposal (RFP) to appoint a long-term ground handling partner.

Travellers can look forward to uninterrupted, smooth services in this changeover, with CSMIA ensuring that there will be no interruption in baggage handling, check-in, and boarding services, the spokesperson said. “Ground handling operations will be unaffected, and CSMIA airport operations will go on smoothly,” the spokesperson added.

Meanwhile, Celebi on Friday moved the Delhi High Court against India’s decision to revoke its security clearance, calling the move “vague and unjustified”. In its plea, Celebi said the action threatens 3,791 jobs and could harm investor confidence, urging the court to set aside the order.

However, in a big relief to more than 2,000 employees who are already employed with Celebi at CSMIA, MIAL has also stated that all ground staff will be shifted to Indo Thai Airport Services on current terms and conditions. This assures job security and ensures that experienced staff remain available to handle airline operations with no service interruption.

All the equipment owned by Celebi Aviation will be rented out to Indo Thai to ensure continuous service delivery. “The goal is to uphold existing Service Level Agreements with airlines while upholding quality and efficiency expected by passengers,” the airport spokesperson added.

Turkey’s support for Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, India’s counter strike on terror camps in Pakistan, had prompted the Ministry of Civil Aviation to revoke Celebi’s clearance due to national security concerns.

Indo Thai will be a stopgap measure while the airport operator works to establish a stable, long-term solution quickly. However, with a solid system in place, the transition is anticipated to be seamless.