Airports

Mumbai, 6th February 2026: CSMIA Mumbai has opened 14 Hybrid Self Bag Drop (SBD) counters at Terminal 2 (T2), marking a key step in strengthening departure processing through technology-led solutions. The introduction of Hybrid SBD counters forms part of CSMIA’s phased plan to transition all 212 existing check-in desks at T2 to a hybrid format by 2028. The initiative aims to optimise terminal space, increase baggage processing capacity and enhance flexibility in managing fluctuating passenger volumes across peak and off-peak periods. The rollout follows a significant rise in the adoption of self-service baggage facilities at the airport. Autonomous SBD usage increased by 40 per cent, from 388,446 passengers in calendar year 2024 to 560,275 passengers in calendar year 2025, highlighting the need for scalable infrastructure to support faster and more seamless passenger processing. By integrating check-in and baggage drop into a single processing flow, the Hybrid SBD counters minimise manual intervention and reduces passenger wait time. The system also enables eligible passengers to complete baggage-related payment transactions at the same counter, streamlining processing and reducing reliance on separate airline desks. In self-service mode, a single Hybrid SBD counter can process approximately 100 to 120 passengers per hour, compared to 25 to 30 passengers per hour through conventional manual processing, resulting in a nearly four-fold increase in baggage handling capacity. This improvement supports faster baggage acceptance, smoother passenger movement and more efficient use of terminal infrastructure.Each Hybrid SBD counter is designed for operational flexibility and can be switched between manual and self-service modes through a simple mechanism, allowing airport and airline teams to balance personalised assistance with efficiency based on operational requirements. Commenting on the development, a CSMIA spokesperson said, “Baggage processing is a critical touchpoint in the departure journey. With rising passenger volumes, CSMIA is undertaking a phased transformation of its check-in and baggage drop infrastructure to enhance efficiency while retaining flexibility. Hybrid Self Bag Drop counters allow us to scale capacity in line with demand, while continuing to support passengers who require assisted services.” Currently, IndiGo and Air India have opted to deploy the Hybrid SBD system at T2. International airlines including Lufthansa, Air France, Qatar, Swiss and KLM are using the existing autonomous SBD facility, with migration to the Hybrid SBD platform underway. The Hybrid SBD system can also be integrated with DigiYatra biometric technology, enabling enrolled passengers to use facial recognition for quicker processing and reduced manual document checks.To support passengers during the transition, CSMIA has deployed trained SBD assistants across the terminal to guide first-time users and elderly travellers through the self-service process. With the rollout of Hybrid SBD counters, CSMIA continues to enhance operational efficiency at T2 while building scalable capacity to support future passenger growth, aligned with global airport standards for speed, convenience and reliability.

New Delhi, 1st February, 2026: Nivedita Dubey has assumed charge as Member (Human Resources) of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) on 30th January, 2026, becoming the first woman to be on the AAI Board in this role. This is a significant milestone in the history of the organization and Indian Civil Aviation Sector. Prior to this appointment, she was serving as Regional Executive Director (Eastern Region), Kolkata, AAI, managing 12 airports of the country. As Member (Human Resources), Ms. Dubey will be responsible for formulating, coordinating, and implementing AAI’s personnel and industrial relations policies, along with overseeing commercial management functions. She is expected to play a pivotal leadership role in supporting sustained organizational growth and strengthening AAI’s human capital framework. She brings with her over three decades of rich and diverse experience across core Airport Operations, Human Resource Management, and Airport Economic Regulation. She began her career with AAI in 1995 as an Airport Manager, where she managed terminal and airside operations at IGI Airport, New Delhi, and handled several critical emergency situations. In 2023, she become the first woman Regional Executive Director (Eastern Region) of AAI. During her tenure, she has led major modernization initiatives, including the commissioning of New Terminal Buildings at Patna and Purnea airports, significantly enhancing Regional Connectivity and Passenger Infrastructure. Renowned for her expertise in Industrial relations, Staff welfare, and Training and Development, Ms. Dubey has successfully managed complex labour matters with a record of zero work-hour loss due to industrial unrest. She has overseen trade union referendums, strengthened employee welfare and social security frameworks, and spearheaded leadership development and capability-building programs. An ICAO-accredited International Airport Professional and certified trainer, Ms. Dubey has also served as faculty at the Indian Aviation Academy, contributing to the development of future aviation professionals. She studied science at Allahabad University (AU) before earning a postgraduate degree in management from AU’s Motilal Nehru Institute of Research and Business Administration (MONIRBA). In her new role, Ms. Nivedita Dubey will lead strategic human resource transformation initiatives, drive leadership development, and modernize the workforce in alignment with AAI’s Vision 2047. Her appointment represents a significant step forward in promoting inclusive leadership and excellence in India’s aviation ecosystem.

Bengaluru, 03 February 2026: Menzies Aviation has been awarded a 15-year license to provide ground handling services at Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport), one of India’s fastest‑growing airports for both domestic and international traffic. The license, awarded by Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), is effective from 1 April 2026, with operations expected to commence immediately upon securing required regulatory approvals. Menzies Aviation is present at Blr Airport for more than 15-year where it has delivered air cargo services supporting global and domestic carriers. Under the new license, the company will provide a full suite of ground handling services across Terminals 1 and 2, including passenger, ramp, and baggage operations, enabling airline customers to benefit from integrated ground and cargo services at the airport. BLR Airport is a key aviation gateway for South Asia and one of India’s busiest airports, handling more than 43 million passengers annually and continuing to see strong growth in both domestic and international traffic. Charles Wyley, EVP Middle East, Africa & Asia, Menzies Aviation, said: “This long-term partnership reflects BIAL’s confidence in our global safety, compliance, and service standards, as well as our ability to support the airport’s sustainability and growth ambitions. Securing this 15-year license at one of India’s fastest-growing airports is an important step in strengthening our presence in a region experiencing exceptional aviation growth. We are proud to deepen our partnership with BIAL by delivering integrated ground handling and cargo solutions for our airline customers. Girish Nair, Chief Operating Officer, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), said: “We are pleased to onboard Menzies Aviation as our ground handling partner, bringing with them a proven global track record and deep operational expertise across some of the world’s largest international airports. Safety remains our foremost priority at BIAL, and Menzies’ strong safety culture, robust governance frameworks, and consistent adherence to global best practices align closely with our own standards. We are confident this partnership will further strengthen safe, efficient, and seamless ground handling operations at BLR Airport, support our long-term growth and sustainability ambitions, and deliver consistent value to our airline partners and passengers, reinforcing our vision of becoming a world-class aviation hub.”

Delhi, January 27, 2026: Honeywell has announced that SAF One Energy Management Limited (SAF One) will use Honeywell UOP Ecofining™ process technology to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Tata Projects Limited (TPL), the Tata Group’s engineering and construction arm, has been appointed as the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) partner for the project. Together, Honeywell and TPL will deliver an integrated solution tailored to SAF One’s project requirements. Honeywell UOP’s Ecofining process technology, developed in collaboration with Eni S.p.A., offers a capital- and cost-effective solution for processing waste fats, oils and greases into renewable diesel and SAF. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in SAF One’s plans to develop multiple SAF production units globally, including one in India. Through the deployment of Honeywell UOP’s Ecofining process technology, SAF One will convert used cooking oil (UCO) and other waste oils and fats into SAF, helping the aviation industry reduce lifecycle emissions and advance its decarbonization goals. Rajesh Gattupalli, President, Honeywell UOP, said: “Our Ecofining process technology broadens the potential feedstock base for SAF and enables producers to adapt to shifting market conditions and resource availability. By leveraging our experience and continuous advancements in process engineering, we aim to make SAF production more economically feasible. The installation of our Ecofining process technology with SAF One and TPL demonstrates our leadership in SAF production and ability to help produce renewable fuels at scale.” Rajiv Menon, President & COO – Energy & Industrial Business, Tata Projects Limited, said: “Our collaboration with Honeywell and SAF One highlights the value of early engineering integration and disciplined execution in delivering scalable SAF projects. Together, we are enabling solutions that blend technology excellence with constructability and lifecycle efficiency.” Commenting on this significant milestone, Deepak Munganahalli, cofounder and CEO of SAF One, said: “We are delighted to work with Honeywell and Tata Projects Limited. Their techno-commercial expertise supports SAF One’s ‘design one build many’ approach across our pipeline of SAF projects. This collaboration strengthens our platform and enables us to work with our customers on scalable long-term decarbonization solutions.” Honeywell and TPL are jointly optimizing the technology configuration to maximize capital expenditure, enhance project timelines, and deliver a solution aligned with SAF One’s global deployment strategy. The companies’ collaboration supports the ambitions of both India and the larger world for climate change mitigation and reinforces Honeywell’s leadership in developing SAF technologies for global markets.

Montreal, 12 January 2026: Airports Council International (ACI) World appoints Jost Lammers, CEO of Munich Airport, as Chair of the ACI World Governing Board (WGB) for the 2026–2027 term. Lammers succeeds Candace McGraw, retired CEO of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), who completes her tenure as ACI World’s first woman Chair, after guiding the organization through a period of strong global advocacy and strategic advancement. The ACI World Governing Board is composed of 28 airport CEOs nominated by ACI’s five regions. The Board provides strategic direction on airport policy, operational priorities, sustainability, and innovation on behalf of airports worldwide. A global aviation leader with extensive international experience Lammers has been an active member of the ACI World Governing Board since 2019—serving as Vice Chair from 2024–2025—and served on the Board of ACI EUROPE from 2017–2023. Elected President of ACI EUROPE in 2019, he led the ACI Region through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 crisis, strengthening collaboration among airports across Europe and championing recovery. Industry leaders speak ACI World Director General Justin Erbacci said, “We are proud to welcome Jost Lammers as Chair of the ACI World Governing Board. His global experience, proven leadership, and deep understanding of airport operations and policy come at a pivotal moment for our industry. As airports accelerate innovation, strengthen operational resilience, and advance sustainability, Jost’s ability to build consensus and drive strategic progress will be instrumental. I would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to Candace McGraw for her exceptional leadership as ACI World’s first woman Chair. Her commitment to sustainability, advocacy, and workforce transformation has helped position airports for long-term success.” Munich Airport CEO Jost Lammers said, “It is an honor for me to serve as the Chair of the ACI World Governing Board. My dedication is focused on strengthening ACI’s leadership role on the global stage. By uniting strong advocacy, effective governance, and collaboration with global partners, we can ensure airports evolve as innovative, sustainable, and people-focused organizations, enhancing their role as vital hubs of mobility and economic growth.”

New Delhi, 9th January, 2026: Airports Authority of India (AAI)has achieved ‘Excellent’ rating with score of 93.21 under MoU 2024-25, signed with Ministry of Civil Aviation, highlighting its consistent achievements in operational efficiency. The Department of Public Enterprises has communicated AAI’s MoU score of 93.21 with final rating as ‘Excellent’. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between AAI and Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) is signed as per DPE Guidelines wherein major emphasis is on financial targets in terms of growth in Revenue from Operations, Capex, Return on Capital Employed, Asset Turnover Ratio etc., and CPSE sector specific physical parameter(s). In addition, based on the priorities of Government of India, certain compliance parameters such as procurement from MSE’s including SC/ST & women, CSR etc., are also included in MoU. AAI has invested Rs. 5,075 Crore in capital expenditure under the MoU 2024-25 for development of state-of-the-art infrastructure and to enhance airport services, improvement in operational efficiency, resulting in a safer and seamless travel experience. Aligned with the Government of India’s vision, AAI’s performance reflects strong growth, efficient operations, MSME procurement and CSR initiatives.

Mumbai, 8th January 2026: Closing calendar year 2025 on a strong note, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) recorded an overall passenger traffic of around 55.5 million in CY25, marking a steady year of growth alongside multiple operational milestones. The annual traffic included over 16.3 million international passengers and 39.2 million domestic passengers, reflecting a year-on-year growth of approximately 1.3% compared to CY24 with 54.8 million passengers, and an overall increase of 7.6% over CY 2023 passenger traffic numbers. Passenger movement at CSMIA during the year was driven by strong seasonal demand and peak travel periods. January 2025 emerged as the busiest month, with close to 5 million passengers, followed closely by November 2025 with approximately 4.9 million passengers. In November, the airport recorded its top three highest single-day passenger traffic figures, including its highest-ever single-day throughput of 1,75,925 passengers on 29 November 2025. The October–December quarter (Q4) also marked the highest quarterly passenger traffic, with 14.36 million passengers handled in Q4. Operational throughput at CSMIA also reached new highs during CY25. The airport handled a total of 3,31,011 Air Traffic Movements (ATMs), including 92,141 international and 2,38,870 domestic ATMs. A new record was also achieved on 21 November 2025, when CSMIA handled 1,036 ATMs, the highest number of ATMs recorded at CSMIA in a day. Overall, Air Traffic Movements at CSMIA have grown by approximately 25% from CY 2022. The airport also expended its connectivity adding several new routes to its network on both domestic and international sectors.

Mumbai, 30 December 2025: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), Mumbai has commissioned Taxiway M, a significant airside infrastructure upgrade designed to improve airside efficiency and operational resilience at one of the world’s busiest single-runway airports. CSMIA handles an average of 950+ aircraft traffic movements (ATMs) daily. This is primarily supported by the main runway 09/27 that handles high-intensity operations supported historically by a single Parallel Taxi Track (PTT) N–N1, which has remained in near-constant use due to the absence of an alternate full-length taxiway. Over time, sustained traffic levels and limited maintenance windows highlighted the need for an additional parallel taxiway to improve operational resilience and reduce dependency on a single taxi track. Taxiway M was conceived to address this critical requirement. However, the project involved substantial complexity, as the alignment was constrained by the presence of the Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) building located along the taxiway corridor. To ensure full-length connectivity of the Taxiway, CSMIA relocated the ARFF facility and commissioned a temporary main fire station, ensuring uninterrupted CAT-10 emergency response capabilities, while concurrently commencing construction of the new permanent ARFF station. Executed during the Fourth Control Period (FCP), the project progressed in multiple phases. Phase 1 connected Runway 14–32, followed by Phase 2 where a continuous parallel taxiway network was established. Despite the challenges of working within a highly constrained airside environment—surrounded by active taxiways on three sides and a runway on the fourth—the project was delivered through meticulous planning, close coordination with stakeholders, and fast-track execution. Uncharted utilities encountered during execution were also addressed through swift design modifications, enabling the project to remain on schedule. Taxiway M was commissioned on 25 December 2025, aligned with the Aeronautical Information Regulation and Control (AIRAC) cycle, after approximately 240 days of construction, including the monsoon period. Despite the early monsoon onset and seasonal transitions, the timely delivery reflects the preparedness, foresight, and execution discipline of the CSMIA team, along with timely approvals from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The new parallel Taxiway M delivers operational benefits by enabling more efficient departure sequencing, allowing aircrafts to move onto the runway and take-off promptly, and allow aircrafts to queue on the taxiway while awaiting take-off clearance. This significantly improves departure capacity during peak periods while offering greater flexibility to air traffic controllers in managing airside traffic flows. The parallel taxiway also provides an alternate routing option during planned maintenance or unforeseen disruptions, enhancing overall operational resilience. From an environmental standpoint, reduced taxi distances and shorter ground holding times contribute to lower fuel consumption and reduced carbon emissions, thus reinforcing CSMIA’s commitment to sustainable airport operations. With Taxiway M now operational, CSMIA is in a better positioned to manage current traffic volumes while creating headroom for future growth, ensuring smoother, safer and more reliable airport operations. (News published unedited on as shared basis )

Navi Mumbai, 26 December,2025: Passenger load at Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) recorded a marked rise on December 25, the first day of passenger operations, fuelled by heightened traveller interest and start commercial operations.The overnight spurt in passenger load points to a positive response from travellers. A day earlier, on December 24, passenger load levels stood at 71 percent for arrivals and 83 percent for departures. With the start of scheduled operations on December 25, arrival load increased to 85 percent, while departure load climbed to 98 percent, reflecting a strong jump in booking levels as operations commenced on 25th December. On the first day of operations on 25 December, the airport recorded a total passenger throughput of 4,922, with 2,278 arriving passengers and 2,644 departing passengers, indicating strong demand from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. On 26 December, passenger traffic increased further, with the airport handling a total of 5,028 passengers.

Mumbai, 24 December, 2025: Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) will begin commercial flight operations tomorrow, December 25, marking a key milestone for India’s civil aviation sector and expanding capacity for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The opening adds a critical new gateway for a region that has faced sustained congestion for over a decade. Planned as part of a distributed aviation framework, NMIA supports Mumbai’s transition to a multi-airport system aimed at improving capacity, operational resilience and long-term scalability. On Day One, domestic services will be operated by IndiGo, Air India Express, Akasa Air and Star Air, connecting NMIA to nine destinations across India. The airport will handle 15 scheduled departures on the first day. During the initial phase, NMIA will operate between 08:00 hrs and 20:00 hrs, with up to 24 scheduled daily departures to 13 destinations and the capability to manage up to 10 aircraft movements per hour. From February 2026, operations are planned to progressively scale up to round-the-clock services. NMIA was inaugurated by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 8. Since 2021, Adani Airports Holdings Limited (AAHL), a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL), has led the development, construction, and operational readiness of the greenfield airport, progressing it from accelerated construction to phased commercial operations within a compressed timeframe. Passenger services from day one will be supported by Digi Yatra–enabled contactless processing at designated touchpoints, along with trained terminal staff across kerbside, check-in, security and boarding areas. Retail and food and beverage offerings have been curated with a focus on affordability and local relevance. Inspired by the lotus, India’s national flower, the terminal architecture integrates cultural identity with contemporary design and sustainability features. In its initial phase, NMIA is designed to handle 20 million passengers per annum (MPPA), with future expansion planned to scale capacity up to 90 MPPA, supported by dedicated cargo terminals and multimodal connectivity. With operations set to begin tomorrow, NMIA is expected to strengthen Mumbai’s role as a global gateway and support long-term economic growth through expanded aviation capacity.