Mumbai Airport Names Interim Ground Handler Following Recent Developments
Within just 24 hours of Celebi Airport Services being removed from the ground handling sector at Mumbai Airport, an interim service provider has been appointed to ensure that airline operations and passenger services remain uninterrupted. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) revoked Celebi’s security clearance due to national security concerns, prompting immediate action from Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) to mitigate any potential disruptions.
Immediate Transition to Interim Provider
In response to the BCAS’s decision, MIAL swiftly organized a meeting with the airlines affected by the sudden change. The airport operator announced that Indo Thai Airport Services, a certified ground handler with operations at nine airports across India, would take over ground handling duties at Mumbai Airport for the next three months. This transition is effective immediately and aims to uphold the existing Service Level Agreements (SLA) to ensure a seamless experience for airlines and passengers alike.
Indo Thai Airport Services will inherit the ground handling equipment previously used by Celebi and will also absorb all existing employees of Celebi at Mumbai Airport. This arrangement guarantees that there will be no job losses and that services will continue without interruption. MIAL emphasized its commitment to maintaining high service standards during this transitional period.
Background of Celebi’s Exit
The revocation of Celebi’s security clearance came after the company, which is based in Turkey, was linked to Turkey’s support of Pakistan amid recent hostilities. This decision was enforced immediately, raising concerns about potential flight delays for airlines that had contracted Celebi for ground handling services. Ground handling encompasses critical operations such as loading and unloading baggage, cargo management, aircraft cleaning, fueling, and passenger check-in.
Celebi has been a significant player in the Indian aviation sector, providing ground handling services at nine major airports, including Delhi, Cochin, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Goa. The company also manages cargo operations through its Çelebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India.
Future Plans for Ground Handling Services
Looking ahead, MIAL is set to initiate a Request for Proposal (RFP) process within the next three days to identify a long-term ground handling partner. This new partner is expected to be onboarded within the next three months, ensuring that operations at Mumbai Airport remain stable and efficient. MIAL has assured all airlines that ground handling operations will continue without disruption during this interim period.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has stated that special teams will be deployed to oversee operations at all affected airports. These teams will address any emerging issues in real-time, ensuring that national security is upheld while facilitating smooth travel and cargo movement across the country.
Commitment to Passenger and Cargo Services
The ministry of civil aviation has confirmed that arrangements have been made at all airports impacted by Celebi’s exit to ensure that passenger and cargo handling remains seamless. The focus is on maintaining operational integrity while prioritizing national security. The swift actions taken by MIAL and the civil aviation ministry reflect a commitment to minimizing disruptions in air travel and cargo services, reassuring travelers and airlines alike during this transitional phase.
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