Airports

New Delhi,21st October,2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the Development of New Terminal Building and allied works at Varanasi Airport, New Civil Enclave of Agra, Darbhanga, and Bagdogra and inaugurated New Airports at Rewa, Sarsawaand Ambikapur on 20th October, 2024 in Varanasi,Uttar Pradesh. Development of New Terminal Building and allied works at Varanasi, and New Civil Enclave at Agra, Darbhanga and Bagdogra Airports is being undertaken at the total cost of Rs.5910 Crore. Anandiben Patel, Governor, Uttar Pradesh,Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Union Minister of Civil Aviation were also present during the ceremony in Varanasi.The other dignitaries included Governors, Chief Ministers, Deputy Chief Ministers of respective states and Murlidhar Mohol, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation participated in the event virtually. The three new airports of Sarsawa in in Uttar Pradesh,Rewa in Madhya Pradesh &Ambikapur in Chhattisgarh have been developed at a total cost of Rs. 225.88 Crore, having combined capacity to serve around 10 lakh passengers annually. These airports are fully equipped with all passenger facilities including check-in counters, baggage conveyors and sufficient concessionaire area while boasting various sustainability features. While addressing the gathering, Prime Minister underlined that the government has initiated a huge campaign for infrastructural development in the country in the last 10 years with two main objectives of improving services for the people and creating employment opportunities for the youth through investments.The designs of all seven airports are influenced and derived from the common elements of heritage structures of that state and city, thus reflecting the local culture and highlighting the heritage of the region. On this occasion,highlighting about these projects,Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu,Union Minister of Civil Aviation said that Varanasi airport currently serves 30 lakh passengers annually which will cross the figure of 3 Crore by 2047, for which a new terminal will be built at a cost of Rs. 2870 crore. He also emphasized about the ‘UDAN Yojana’ Regional Connectivity Scheme, under which Sarsawa, Rewa and Ambikapur airports have been developed. As a result of these projects, the air connectivity of the nation will be strengthened, the economy will grow and new employment opportunities will be created. The inauguration and foundation stone laying of these Seven Airport projects worth more than Rs. 6,100 Crore, places India’s civil aviation industry at the forefront of the nation’s economic growth and solidifies its role as a major player in the global aviation landscape. With these new airports and terminal buildings, air connectivity in the country will witness an increase which in turn will spur tourism, business, education and generate employment which is vital to the regions’ economic prosperity. It will also strengthen the economy of the states over the long haul, boosting productivity through its positive impact on businesses. Source: PIB

Delhi, 14th October, 2024: Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has recently announced the inauguration of its new First and Business Class Check-In Lounge at Terminal 1 of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to enhance the travel experience for Saudia’s premium guests, including travelers from India, as part of the airline’s commitment to luxury and exceptional service. A New Standard in Travel Comfort Officially inaugurated by H.E. Eng. Ibrahim bin Abdulrahman Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, the lounge is a luxurious sanctuary offering exclusive amenities tailored for elite travelers. With 10 dedicated check-in counters and comfortable seating areas, the lounge ensures a seamless and relaxed start to every journey. Guests are welcomed with traditional Saudi coffee and dates, embodying the warm hospitality that Saudia is known for. Tailored Services for Indian Travelers As Saudia continues to strengthen its ties with the Indian market, this new lounge represents a significant enhancement to the overall travel experience. Travelers can expect personalized services that cater to their specific needs, ensuring comfort and convenience from the moment they arrive at the airport. The lounge also features a dedicated café counter offering a variety of hot and cold beverages, perfect for travelers looking to unwind before their flight. Alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 The opening of the First and Business Class Check-In Lounge is part of Saudia’s broader strategy to establish Jeddah as a true aviation hub, optimizing connectivity and transit traffic. This initiative supports Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to attract 330 million visits to the Kingdom, welcoming travelers from around the world. Commitment to Premium Travel Experience Riyadh M. Alhudhaif, General Manager of the Jeddah Hub, stated, “Unveiling Saudia’s new First and Business Class Check-In Lounge marks a landmark milestone in luxury travel, redefining the airport experience for our guests. This exclusive sanctuary at Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport offers more than just a premium check-in experience; it’s an immersion into Saudi hospitality and culture. With personalized services, unparalleled comfort, and stunning artistic displays, we are elevating travel to new heights and cementing Saudia’s position as a global aviation leader.” The launch of the lounge complements Saudia’s extensive investment in enhancing guest experiences, which includes an extensive seat retrofit program, the installation of advanced In-Flight Entertainment screens, the launch of the beta version of the Travel Companion powered by AI and high-speed in-flight connectivity that will be implemented across its fleet. These initiatives are designed to provide travelers with a world-class journey from start to finish. Experience the Luxury with Saudia Saudia invites Indian travelers to experience this new level of luxury and comfort. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, our premium services are designed to make every moment of your journey unforgettable.

New Delhi, 11th October, 2024: Considering the immense potential of civil aviation sector in Madhya Pradesh, Airports Authority of India and Government of Madhya Pradesh signed MoU for development of Shivpuri Airport under RCS and agreements for Operation &Maintenance and provision of Communication Navigation Surveillance/Air Traffic Management services on 10th October, 2024. Shri N.V. Subbarayudu, Executive Director, Shri Sajith Kumar, General Manager (ATM/ATS) Delhi and Shri Ramji Awasthi, Airport Directorsigned the agreements/MoU on behalf of AAI and Shri Chandramouli Shukla, Commissioner, Aviation, Madhya Pradesh on behalf of Government of Madhya Pradesh. In accordance with the development MoU, O&M and CNS/ATM agreement executed, the work for overall development of Shivpuri airstrip will be carried out soon.The airport will be developed for accommodating 19 seater type of aircraft in the initial phase and ATR-72 type aircraft in the near future.For this purpose, state government will soon hand over 292 acres of land to AAI.

• This strategic collaboration includes a fully integrated airport solution provided by Thales based on three pillars: smart airport security, biometric passenger journey, and operations efficiency; addressing all the airports operated by Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) in India. • The overall solution encompasses Thales’ Fly to Gate, deployed in early 2024 to provide passengers with touchless biometric solutions for DigiYatra, and its Airport Operation Control Centre (APOC),which will be set up soon to enhance management and security at AAHL’s airports. • All in all, Thales’ technologies enable AAHL to revolutionise air travel in India by efficiently and securely managing complex airport operations while improving travel experience for passengers in full compliance with privacy regulations. Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), the largest private airport operator in India, and Thales, a global leader in advanced technologies, today announced a strategic partnership to revolutionise AAHL’s international airport operations and passenger experience across the country.Under this partnership, Thales has already deployed the Fly to Gate solution at seven of AAHL-managed airports in India, streamlining and enhancing the journey for millions of travellers since early 2024.Extending this collaboration,AAHL has now awarded Thales an additional contract to deploy at all its airports, the innovative Airport Operation Control Centre(APOC)to optimise overall airport management and enhance passenger experience securely. The seven airports operated by AAHL are currently equipped with DigiYatra powered by Thales’ Fly to Gate solution built on the responsible use of advanced facial recognition technology as a secure passenger ID proof. The pre-enrolled passengers can then benefit from a smooth and trusted way to speed up their journey, eliminating the need to show an ID document and the boarding pass at each check point (from check-in to boarding).Reducing passengers processing time up to 30% at these airports, this seamlessintegration of responsible biometric solutions (cfThales TrUE Biometrics) aligns with the Indian government’s vision of a digital India. In addition, Thales has been awarded to work on the design, integration,and implementation of an end-to-end APOC solution for all AAHL-managed airports. This cloud-based ‘Smart Digital Platform’will centrally host all the necessary applications to improve overall airport management, security, and passenger experience. The innovative APOC platform collects operational data from integrated airports sub-systems and sensors, while complying with standards of privacy. This data is then intelligently processed using automation, big data analytics, and robust artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms. The solution which will be deployed soon,will anticipate, and reduce unplanned resource shortages, hence increasing predictability and global efficiency. “We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with Adani Airport Holdings Limited to bring innovative technology solutions to revolutionise airport operations and the passenger experience in India. Our Fly to Gate biometric solution for DigiYatra and the smart Airport Operation Control Centre (APOC) will enable AAHL to streamline operations and also ensure a secureand simplified journey for millions of passengers. Together, we are committed to support India in its vision of becoming the largest aviation market in the world by 2047,” said Mr. Ashish Saraf, VP and Country Director for India, Thales.

New Delhi, 01st October 2024: Airports Authority of India’s Bhopal Airport has commenced 24 hours operations with effect from today, 01stOctober, 2024. This milestone marks a significant step towards enhancing connectivity, providing seamless travel experience and supporting the growth of regional as well as national Air traffic. This will provide flexibility to Airlines, Non-Scheduled operators, Medical flights and General Aviation for efficient planning of Aircraft operations. Airlines can also plan bases at Bhopal Airport. This will also enable effective use of Airport Infrastructure and resources. At present Bhopal Airport has 220 scheduled flights weekly connecting to nine domestic destinations viz., Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Raipur, Jaipur, Udaipur, and Lucknow. Additionally, there is a huge demand for flight connectivity to other cities of India like Pune, Goa, Kolkata, Chennai, Cochin, Bhubaneshwar, Varanasi, Jammu, Srinagar, Guwahati, etc. With round the clock operations the weekly scheduled movements in winter season 2024 is expected to be around 268 movements for Bhopal Airport. Following the latest schedule, Indigo Airlineswill also be staring a most demanded direct flight on thePune – Bhopal – Pune routefrom 27th October, 2024 and the airline has started bookings for the same. Extending operational hours will allow more flights to land and take off, thereby improving connectivity, especially for flights of long-haul routes. This will attract more airlines and routes, making Bhopal Airport a more prominent hub. Travelers will have more flexible flight options, making travel easier and more convenient. This will enhance passenger satisfaction and attract more travelers to Bhopal. With more flights and passengers, local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and transportation services will likely see increased demand. This will lead to job creation and stimulate the local economy. Bhopal has a rich cultural and religious heritage. Round-the-clock operations will make this city more accessible to tourists, especially those from different time zones, contributing to the growth of the tourism sector. 24-hour operations will facilitate better cargo handling, allowing for more efficient logistics operations. This will attract businesses that rely on air freight, further boosting the local economy. It will also enable the locals to have better access to enhanced medical facilities. With the starting of 24-hour operations, Night parking facility will be available at Bhopal Airport as well. This will help the Airport to facilitate connections not only within India but also to international destinations. Since most international operators prefer to operate during night time from India, 24-hour operations will encourage airlines to consider international operations from Bhopal Airport. It will also allow airlines to plan night parking at the Airport and plan base flights. Transitioning Bhopal Airport to 24-hour operations presents a compelling opportunity to enhance Passenger service, drive economic growth, and improve overall operational efficiency. By embracing this change, the Airport can position itself as the leading airport in the country, catering to the diverse needs of passengers and contributing to the region’s overall development. Implementing these extended hours will not only meet the demands of a growing travel market but also support Bhopal’s aspirations as a vital transportation hub in the region.

Astana, 28th Aug 2024: Air Astana will launch direct scheduled flights from Shymkent to Jeddah, with a twice weekly service operating between 1st and 28th October 2024. After those dates, one of the services will be switched to a once weekly service between Shymkent and Medina. A new twice weekly service from Almaty to Medina will also be launched on 29th October 2024, which is in addition to the existing Almaty to Jeddah service. All flights to Saudi Arabia will be operated by Airbus A321LR aircraft configured with 16 business class seats and 150 economy class seats. The flight time from Shymkent to Jeddah and Shymkent to Medina will be 5hours 35mins, whilst flight time from Almaty to Medina will be 6hours 10mins. The minimum cost for round-trip Economy class tickets including all fees starts from US$ 656 for Shymkent to Jeddah, US$ 646 for Shymkent to Medina and US$ 705 for Almaty to Medina. Kazakhstan citizens are required to obtain an e-visa before traveling to Saudi Arabia. Jeddah is Saudi Arabia’s second largest city and economic capital, with a wealth of attractions including King Fahd’s Fountain, the ancient city of Al-Balad and Red Sea beaches. Jeddah is only one hour’s high-speed train ride from Mecca. Medina is the second most important holy city for Muslims after Mecca. The Prophet’s Mosque in Medina is considered to be the second holiest site of Islam after the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca.

New Delhi, 21st August, 2024: Mr. M. Suresh has been entrusted with additional charge of Chairman of Airports Authority of India (AAI) with effect from 20th August, 2024. Presently, he is serving as a Member (Air Navigation Services) in the AAI and will hold this charge in addition to his current responsibilities for a period of three months or until further orders. M. Suresh has been a valued Board Member as Member (ANS) of the Airports Authority of India since 2nd September, 2021. Mr. Suresh is an Engineering Graduate in Electronics and Communication with a Master of Business Administration (HR). He also holds an International Airport Professional – IAP degree accorded by Airports Council International and International Civil Aviation Organization.He has more than 33 years of rich experience in Airports Authority of India holding the posts of Member (ANS), Regional Executive Director (North East Region) and Airport Director at Goa, Jammu and Madurai Airports. He is an Air Navigation Service technical expert and has vast experience in planning, provision, operation & maintenance of CNS facilities, airport system facilities & information technology facilities in airports in India. He has been instrumental in the implementation of NOCAS Version-2, the Building Height Clearance Software for the public, SKY REV 360 (Patent Holder), NIC CPPP Training Program, e-Office deployment and the Implementation of the Biometric Access Control project in AAI and many such initiatives. In his additional assignment as the Chairman of the Airports Authority of India, he will lead efforts to achieve AAI’s organizational goals of providing world-class airport infrastructure, top-of-the-line facilities and leading air navigation services in the world.

San Francisco, 7th August, 2024: The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) debuts a new logo and brand identity, retiring its current “flight lines” logo after 24 years of use. The new brand marks the Airport’s ongoing commitment to modernization and an extraordinary passenger experience whilst reflecting the City’s rich history and spirit of innovation. “We are excited to introduce our new brand and logo, which reflects the exciting changes happening at SFO,” said Ivar C. Satero, Airport Director. “Much like our old logo marked a period of time in the early 21st century, the new logo shows our commitment to deliver an airport experience where people and our planet come first.” From the fluid path of the S to the wing of the F, to the portal of the O, SFO’s new logo represents the spirit of our rich history, the dynamism of the present, and the boundless possibilities of the future. With a primary color we call SFO Golden Hour Blue, the new color pays homage to the past while transforming to a brighter and more vibrant blue. The logo also reflects our new Vision: Inspiring the Extraordinary; and our new Mission: Delivering an airport experience where people and our planet come first. At its core, SFO is about people: travelers, the community, and airport team members. The new logo allows for flexibility in creating special-themed logos utilizing the “O”, to reflect the essence of the people and projects that make us who we are. The debut of the new brand identity caps an 18-month process of market research and creative ideation. The new logo and brand showcase a digital-first design, allowing SFO’s mark to be optimized for digital environments, scaling across different devices and screen sizes. The new font is readily available and easy to read, and the overall design provides creative flexibility to adapt to different messages. The logo will be phased in over several years. Digital instances will be prioritized for deployment, followed by scheduled new and replacement items like uniforms, buses, and print messages, followed by instances as part of larger construction and capital projects.

  Mumbai, 6th August 2024: As part of Aviation Security Culture Week, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) hosted a Mini Marathon. With an endeavor to raise awareness on Aviation Security,the 5-kilometer run on the airport elevated road, starting at Terminal 2, saw participation of approximately 400 individuals, including employees of Mumbai International Airport, CISF officials, Airline partners, Ground Handling agencies, and general public. The event fostered a community spirit and reinforced Mumbai Airport’s commitment to make air travel safe and seamless for all.

New Delhi,June 21, 2024: The 10th International Day of Yoga (IDY) was celebrated with zeal and fervour at Airports Authority of India, Regional Headquarter- Northern Region, NATS Complex, New Delhi. The International Yoga Day is being celebrated on 21stJune since 2015.This year, the theme is “Yoga for Self and Society,” emphasising yoga’s role in fostering individual well-being and societal harmony. The celebration at Regional Headquarter- Northern Region started with felicitation of yoga instructors from Bhartiya Yog Sansthan Shri Satish Dogra and Shri R. P. Tripathi, with shawl, by Shri Devendra Kumar Gautam, Regional Executive Director, Northern Region, in the presence of all HODs and officials of AAI. Shri Gautam, in his address emphasised on the importance of Yogainour daily lives and its impact on physical, mental and spiritual health. Bhartiya Yog Sansthan’s yoga instructors demonstrated various asanas, rhythmic chanting, and Laughter Yoga.They also emphasized on having a disciplined practice routine. Participants had an interactive session and expressed their gratitude for the session. The event was concluded by Shanti paath.