The Indian aviation sector exhibits a positive growth trend, with increasing demand and expanding infrastructure facilities. Now, the focus is on expanding capacity, deploying technologies and implementing sustainable practices. At a recent India Infrastructure conference, Nandita Bhatt, Executive Director, Planning, Airports Authority of India (AAI), discussed the initiatives being taken to develop passenger-friendly terminals, incorporate project-specific design considerations and introduce new techniques to fast-track development. Edited excerpts…
The Indian civil aviation industry has witnessed significant progress in recent years. AAI has supported the transformation of airport infrastructure in the country, making it more customer-friendly and bringing it at par with the best-managed airports in the world. Apart from managing operations, AAI fulfills the social responsibility of connecting the most remote areas in India, working on last-mile connectivity.
Towards customer centricity
Airports have become more customer-centric in their approach. Many decades ago, cycle rickshaws inside airports were a common sight. Fast forward to now, there are buses available inside airports and there is also the option of walking through an aerobridge.
Indian airports now serve a diverse passenger base, including individuals with limited education. Support services such as dedicated help desks assist these travellers. Signage plays a crucial role in accessibility, featuring information in Hindi, English and the respective state languages. This trilingual approach ensures first-time travellers can navigate effectively to their flights. Self-check-in counters are planned for deployment at large airports, although such installations remain economically impractical at smaller facilities. Shopping areas have become standard features at both arrivals and departures. Additional facilities include libraries, children’s play areas, dedicated childcare and feeding rooms, designated smoking zones, and silent areas for meditation.
Aesthetic elements are considered equally important for creating memorable passenger experiences. Within AAI, there exists a formal mandate which requires incorporating Indian heritage and artistic elements into terminal designs, ensuring that airports function as cultural gateways representing the architectural traditions and heritage of their respective regions.
Key design considerations
Regarding passenger terminals, the primary consideration is ensuring efficient passenger flow and circulation to facilitate seamless transit through terminal facilities.
The development of retail and commercial spaces is now a strategic move for non-aeronautical revenue streams. While following check-in and security procedures, airports now aim to provide relaxation and enjoyment opportunities, fundamentally transforming the traditional airport experience.
Considering accessibility and inclusivity, airport designs embrace universal design principles, with specific gazetted guidelines established by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) for passengers with reduced mobility.
Material mix
Earlier, AAI deployed prefab and tensile structures to develop smaller terminals over a period of four-six months. However, this has prompted the urgent need for a material palette which can enhance construction ease and speed. Different airports require different materials as per need, creating demand for a diverse material palette, particularly for modular regional terminals with limited footfalls.
More importantly, sustainability remains a cornerstone for developing airports. AAI has established a sustainability framework called the Sustainable Green Airports Mission (SUGAM), which serves as the organisational directive for environmental responsibility. Besides, many AAI-managed airports comply with net zero 2030 targets.
Integrated planning for upcoming airports
AAI has successfully completed 118 master plans under the Viksit Bharat 2047 framework. Furthermore, it has formally communicated master plans to all state chief secretaries in order to address primary construction challenges such as land acquisition delays. Another significant bottleneck involves pre-existing obstacles in surrounding areas that impede brownfield airport expansion. A major focus of the planning effort has been determining runway extension parameters, apron configurations, and terminal building requirements. Moreover, detailed phasing charts have been developed for each airport facility, indicating saturation points and construction timelines.