By Rajiv Ranjan
The recent revocation of aviation security clearance to a Turkish ground-handling firm is more than a regulatory move—it is a national wake-up call. It underscores the urgent need for India to reassess foreign involvement in its airport ecosystem in the light of rapidly shifting geopolitical dynamics and evolving threats like drone warfare, cyber intrusions, and espionage.
AIRPORTS: STRATEGIC NATIONAL ASSETS, NOT JUST TRANSIT POINTS
In modern warfare, airports play a pivotal role. Far from being mere transit hubs, they become military lifelines and strategic targets. The India-Pakistan conflict and international cases such as the Ukraine-Russia war highlight how aerial routes and critical infrastructure are the new frontline. This reality demands a complete reclassification of many airports as “Strategic Civil Airports,” with tighter security protocols.
Frequent movements of top Indian leadership, defence personnel, and sensitive cargo through these airports mean any foreign access to ground services or digital systems represents a serious vulnerability. The need to plug these gaps is immediate and unavoidable.
GROUND HANDLING SERVICES: THE WEAKEST LINK IN AIRPORT SECURITY?
Several foreign players operate in the ground-handling sector in India. Among them, Celebi Aviation, a Turkish firm, holds major contracts in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and elsewhere. Though compliant on paper, recent global realignments—such as Turkey’s growing ties with Pakistan and China—raise legitimate security concerns.
Menzies Aviation (UK) and Swissport (Switzerland) have operational interests or joint ventures in India. While currently low-risk, their exposure to hostile markets and the possibility of corporate takeovers must be closely monitored.
But perhaps the most overlooked concern is the presence of foreign ventures from Singaporean entities at many airports in India. While these entities are widely viewed as neutral and respected global players, their presence in India—particularly through SATS Ltd., which is closely associated with Air India after the recent merger—requires a thorough reassessment in light of emerging security threats. These foreign-linked ventures have access to comprehensive airport operations and sensitive information, including details of aircraft movements and security arrangements. SATS handles a wide range of airport operations and ground services, including flight kitchen. Notably, several board members of SATS are of Chinese ethnicity, which could pose a serious risk if their security clearances and issued AEPs are not re-evaluated in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor.
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK STILL CAUGHT IN THE PAST
The Ground Handling Services Regulation, 2018, restricts foreign ownership to under 50 percent at civil enclaves. However, this rule is outdated and narrow. It ignores modern realities, such as:
- Many airports once defined as civil enclaves have now been privatized, but the outdated rules still apply inconsistently.
- Today, “strategic significance” is not limited to civil enclaves—it extends to any airport involved in defence logistics, VVIP travel, or crisis response like Delhi and Mumbai airports.
- Preferential treatment still exists for now-private former PSUs in the regulation, despite the expiration of the 36-month grandfathering clause. Aviation has changed—rules have not.
SOLUTIONS FOR A SAFER, SELF-RELIANT AVIATION SECTOR
India must act swiftly and decisively:
- Redefine Strategic Airports: Introduce a new category called “Strategic Civil Airports” that automatically invokes national security protocols, regardless of civil or defence status.
- Launch Foreign Control and Security Audit: Regularly audit all airport service providers, including ground handling and catering companies, for foreign influence, beneficial ownership, and board changes—especially from adversarial nations.
- Enforce Corporate Veil Lifting: Move beyond face-value compliance. Trace real control, cross-holdings, and silent investors behind these foreign control entities.
- Revisit Sections 3(4), 3(5), 3(6), and 7 of 2018 Rules: Remove outdated exceptions, include stricter screening for all entities, and mandate periodic renewal of security clearances based on geopolitical developments.
- Develop a Risk Grading System: Assign “risk scores” to companies operating at Indian airports based on country of origin, diplomatic ties with India, cyber risk exposure, and track record.
- Independent Oversight Committee: Form a bipartisan national body of experts to continuously monitor foreign influence at Indian airports and report directly to the National Security Council or Parliament.
- Comprehensive Review of Foreign Partner Stake: In light of current threats to India and the evolving nature of air warfare, an urgent review must be conducted of all foreign-linked airport service providers, including any extended relationships with adversarial countries such as Turkey and China. This review should ensure that no indirect access or influence compromises Indian aviation data or infrastructure.
THE PATH FORWARD: SECURITY OVER CONVENIENCE
In an era where adversaries can operate without firing a single bullet—through cyber backdoors, compromised ground systems, or drone intrusions—security cannot be reactive. It must be pre-emptive, holistic, and unflinching.
India’s national aviation infrastructure must not become the backdoor through which its sovereignty is compromised. Heightened vigilance, constant review, and smart policy reforms are the only sustainable way forward in an unpredictable geopolitical landscape.
THE ISSUES AT STAKE: KEY QUESTIONS
- Ownership, Control and Governance
1. Provide the detailed shareholding structure of SATS India, including ultimate beneficial owners, cross-holdings, and any indirect foreign control.
2. Are there any shareholders, board members, or executives in SATS or SATS India with ties to China, Turkey, Pakistan, or other countries under strategic scrutiny?
3. What due diligence processes does Air India follow when partnering with entities like SATS? Please share the latest review documents.
- Security and Access Protocols
4. What clearance protocols govern SATS India personnel of handling VVIP flights, cargo, and maintenance zones?
5. Has SATS India undergone any security or foreign control audits post-Tata merger? Summarize key findings, if any.
6. How are Airport Entry Permits for SATS personnel issued and reviewed? Include verification steps and issuing authority.
7. What safeguards are in place to prevent unauthorized access to flight, cargo, and surveillance systems by SATS personnel?
- Geopolitical Risk and Cybersecurity
8. Has SATS India assessed risks from potential insider threats or cyber attacks tied to foreign affiliations? Outline your cyber-resilience measures.
9. What is the contingency plan in case of escalation with countries linked to SATS or its affiliates?
- Scope of Operations
10. Outline the services SATS India provides at Indian airports, including involvement in any IT or operational systems linked to civil or defence aviation.
—Air India was yet to respond to the above questionnaire at the time of going to press