Mumbai – In a significant development for Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), the Bombay High Court has granted interim relief to Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) in its ongoing legal tussle involving Turkish ground handling operator Celebi Aviation.
The relief comes amid MIAL’s move to replace Celebi with a new ground handling service provider at CSMIA, a move the Turkish firm had challenged in court, citing breach of contract and procedural lapses.
During the hearing earlier this week, the Bombay High Court allowed MIAL to proceed with its plans to onboard an alternate operator, citing public interest and the airport’s operational continuity. The court observed that while contractual rights are important, they cannot override the imperative of ensuring seamless ground handling services at one of the country’s busiest airports.
Background of the Dispute
Celebi Aviation, a subsidiary of Turkey-based Celebi Ground Handling, has been providing ground services at Mumbai airport for over a decade under a contract with MIAL. The agreement reportedly includes provisions for renewal, which Celebi claims were being disregarded unilaterally by MIAL.
However, MIAL argued that the current arrangement had reached the end of its permissible term under DGCA norms and that it was within its rights to initiate the process for appointing a new service provider through a fresh tender.
The airport operator further stated that continued legal uncertainty and delay in implementing a new contract could impact essential services such as aircraft turnaround, baggage handling, and passenger assistance.
Court’s Observations and Way Forward
The court’s interim ruling does not nullify Celebi’s legal claims but allows MIAL to proceed with transitional arrangements for ground services in the interest of operational efficiency and passenger convenience. The matter will continue to be heard in the coming weeks, with both parties expected to present further arguments on the validity of the termination and the selection process for the new provider.
Industry experts believe the outcome of this case could have wider implications for airport privatization and public-private partnerships across India, especially concerning long-term contracts with foreign vendors.
Celebi has not yet issued a fresh statement following the High Court’s decision. MIAL, meanwhile, reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring uninterrupted airport operations and compliance with regulatory guidelines.
