Airports

New Delhi, 2nd April, 2026: The Airports Authority of India celebrated its 31st Annual Day on 1st April, 2026, under the theme ‘व्योम’, at Bharat Mandapam. The event commemorated AAI’s remarkable journey and its pivotal role in shaping India’s rapidly expanding aviation landscape. Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Union Minister of Civil Aviation, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Samir Kumar Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, also marked his gracious presence at the event, underscoring the significance of the occasion for the sector. The celebrations commenced with a warm welcome address by Vipin Kumar, Chairman, AAI, who highlighted the organisation’s achievements and its vital role as the backbone of India’s civil aviation sector, driving growth through technological innovation and modern infrastructure. Marking 31 glorious years of AAI, he described the milestone as both a moment of pride and a stepping stone towards greater accomplishments. He commended the unwavering dedication of AAI officials and their families, applauding their pivotal role in shaping the future of Indian aviation, and emphasized the shared vision of collectively working to grow and achieve together. While addressing the gathering, Rammohan NaiduKinjarapu, HMCA, stated that AAI is the backbone of Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji’s UDAN vision, making air travel accessible across the country. He highlighted that India’s airports reflect global standards while showcasing local heritage, embodying “Vikas Bhi, VirasatBhi”. He further emphasized that AAI is redefining the flying experience through several passenger-centric initiatives such as UDAN Yatri Cafes, Flybrary, free Wi-Fi, and dedicated Kids Zones, ensuring comfort and convenience for all travelers, and congratulated AAI staff and their families for their contribution towards building a world-class airport ecosystem. Samir Kumar Sinha, Secretary, MoCA, congratulated AAI on completing 31 glorious years and praised the dedicated efforts of its employees in driving aviation growth through technological innovation and the modernisation of aviation infrastructure. In line with the tradition, Vipin Kumar, Chairman, AAI honoured and felicitated the employees on the eve of 31st Annual Day with Chairman’s Awards, recognising their outstanding contributions to operational excellence, innovation, safety, and customer service. The 31st Annual Day evening featured a vibrant cultural programme, including a live performance by renowned composer and singer Amit Trivedi. Adding to the grandeur, the Zenith Dance Troupe presented a captivating dance performances. Over the past three decades, AAI remained at the forefront of transforming India’s aviation sector—expanding airport infrastructure, enhancing regional connectivity, adopting cutting-edge technologies, and championing sustainability. It played a vital role in driving the nation’s aviation growth, making a strong contribution to economic progress and fostering national integration. As India emerged as one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world, AAI continued to play a crucial role in enabling this growth by developing world-class infrastructure, ensuring safety and efficiency in air navigation, and embracing innovation to meet future demands. The 31st Annual Day ‘व्योम’served not only as a celebration of past achievements but also as a platform to reaffirm AAI’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and nation-building.

Navi Mumbai,26 March 2026: Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has announced its first summer schedule, effective from March 29 to October 24, 2026, expanding its domestic network to 46 destinations.The schedule adds 30 new domestic routes, linking the airport to a mix of commercial, tourism and religious centres across India. Among Indian cities Delhi (9), Goa (7), Bengaluru (6) and Cochin (5) will have largest share of daily departures followed closely by Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Varanasi and Indore. Three Indian carriers, IndiGo, Akasa Air and Air India Express will operate additional flights from the airport during this period, increasing capacity and network coverage.Flight operations are expected to scale up to 1,092 weekly air traffic movements, with an average of 156 movements per day. Average daily departures are projected to rise from 22 at launch to 78 by April 2026. NMIA, which began commercial operations on December 25, 2025, is ramping up capacity under its first summer schedule. The expansion is expected to improve connectivity across Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities and support rising passenger demand in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), one of India’s largest urban and economic hubs.

Bengaluru, February 25, 2026: Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport), operated by Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Frankfurt Airport (FRA) during Air Cargo India to enhance cargo connectivity between South India and Europe. The collaboration brings together two key cargo gateways, BLR Airport, serving one of India’s fastest-growing manufacturing and export regions, and Frankfurt Airport, one of Europe’s most connected cargo hubs. Under the MoU, both airports aim to establish a structured framework focused on joint trade lane analytics, digital corridor development, pharma integrity standards and knowledge exchange to improve visibility, reduce dwell times and deliver more predictable service levels for cargo stakeholders. Girish Nair, Chief Operating Officer, Bangalore International Airport Limited, added, “This partnership reflects a strategic shift toward building more integrated and data-led cargo corridors between India and Europe. As BLR Airport continues to invest in cargo infrastructure, technology and capability development, collaborations like this help translate those investments into efficient, scalable trade lanes that support the movement of high-value and time-sensitive cargo. Our focus remains on building a resilient and future-ready ecosystem that can adapt to evolving trade dynamics, and regulatory expectations to create long-term value for airlines, freight forwarders and trade partners.” Alexander Laukenmann, Fraport Senior Executive Vice President Aviation says: “The partnership with BLR Airport represents the creation of a robust bridge between two key cargo and economic hubs that will unlock new opportunities for businesses and serve as a major driver for the future of international goods traffic. In line with the motto ‘Creating the Future of Cargo. Together.’, we’re focusing on partnership-driven innovation. We want to create optimal conditions for our customers and the entire cargo community. Our partnership is a key pillar of our Frankfurt CargoHub Masterplan and underlines our ambition to actively shape international air cargo traffic.” The partnership comes at a time when the recently concluded EU–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is expected to unlock new momentum for bilateral trade and air cargo flows. As trade volumes between India and Europe scale, efficient and reliable cargo corridors will play a critical role in enabling faster market access and strengthening supply chain resilience.

Bengaluru, 12th February, 2026: BIAL, the operator of Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru has entered into a strategic partnership with Mu Sigma, a global decision sciences company, to further advance BLR Airport as one-of-a-kind “Algorithmic Airport” that delivers unparalleled customer experience by harnessing the power of data-driven decision making. The collaboration builds on BIAL’s established Customer-First approach, where every interaction is informed by real-time insights and designed around individual passenger needs. By leveraging Mu Sigma’s proprietary Decision Intelligence Platform AI, and advanced analytical models, BIAL will unify and analyse data across airport operations to anticipate evolving traveller requirements and proactively enhance convenience, comfort, and efficiency. This will further enhance convenience, comfort, and efficiency, reinforcing BLR Airport’s evolution from a transit hub into a holistic experience hub designed around passenger intent. Through this partnership, BIAL will deepen its data-driven approach to decision-making by integrating Mu Sigma’s advanced Decision Intelligence capabilities across key passenger and operational touchpoints. Unified intelligence from existing systems will enable teams to proactively identify patterns, anticipate requirements, and optimise service delivery in real time. By strengthening its analytical backbone, BIAL aims to improve operational reliability, personalise passenger experiences, and continuously raise service standards across BLR Airport. At the core of this transformation are various guest-first capabilities that make every touchpoint smarter and more intuitive. Predictive analytics will help reduce queues at shops, restaurants, and parking, ensuring a smoother flow through the terminal. Real-time demand forecasting and dynamic pricing will further optimise parking and transport. Passengers engaging through the Pulse App and official website (bengaluruairport.com) will enjoy an enhanced digital experience with tailored recommendations, loyalty rewards, and timely notifications on services and offers. Inside the terminal, location-based promotions, improved signage, and curated deals will make wayfinding and decision-making effortless. “At BIAL, we are committed to continuously enhancing the airport experience, and this collaboration supports that ongoing journey. Harnessing Mu Sigma’s advanced Decision Science capabilities will allow us to personalise every interaction, anticipate disruptions before they occur, and elevate efficiency across operations. BLR Airport is charting the path towards a new era of world-class guest experiences.” said George Fanthome, Chief Technical Officer, BIAL.

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.