India’s aviation sector is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by the adoption of advanced technologies aimed at enhancing passenger management, baggage handling, ground operations and security. Airports across the country are integrating technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), biometric verification and digital twins to streamline operations and improve efficiency. From facial recognition-based seamless entry systems such as DigiYatra to AI-powered baggage reconciliation and predictive analytics for airside management, Indian airports are setting new benchmarks in operational excellence.
Enhancing passenger experience
Indian airports are rapidly adopting advanced technologies to enhance passenger management, facilitation and ground operations, ensuring a seamless and efficient travel experience.
Advancements in baggage handling technology
Airports across India are integrating cutting-edge technologies to enhance baggage handling efficiency, reduce misplacements and improve passenger experience. The adoption of automation, AI, biometric verification and real-time tracking has transformed baggage management. Many airports have deployed AI-driven baggage reconciliation systems to track luggage from check-in to arrival, reducing the risk of lost baggage by instantly flagging misplaced items and improving coordination among airlines, ground staff and security personnel.
Automated baggage systems are reducing manual errors and improving the speed of baggage processing, enhancing efficiency and passenger experience. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad has become the first airport in India to implement a digital twin-powered airport operations control centre. The system integrates real-time data from airside, landside and terminal operations, ensuring better baggage movement monitoring and proactive issue resolution. The Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru airports have implemented high-speed, automated baggage handling systems, ensuring quick and precise luggage sorting. Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), Bengaluru, launched India’s first biometric-enabled self-bag drop facility, allowing passengers to drop their luggage at kiosks using facial recognition, eliminating the need for manual verification.
Some airports are using other advanced technologies, such as Trichy International Airport in Tamil Nadu, which has installed an inline baggage handling system, eliminating the need for standalone X-ray scans by integrating security screening into the baggage handling process. It uses a four-level security screening system to identify prohibited items with higher accuracy. Major airports, including Delhi and Mumbai, have installed AI-powered CT baggage scanners, which provide 3D images for more precise threat detection, reducing the need for manual baggage checks. Automated tray return systems have been deployed at the Bengaluru and Hyderabad airports, where AI-driven conveyor belts automatically return empty trays at security checkpoints, reducing passenger congestion.
Technologies for smooth ground operations
Airport operations control centres (AOCCs) are being used for centralised ground operations management. An AOCC serves as the command hub for managing real-time airport activities, improving efficiency and responding proactively to disruptions. Many Indian airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, have implemented AOCCs to enhance coordination between airport authorities, airlines and ground staff.
Predictive analytics is also being used at airports such as Hyderabad, where a digital twin platform enhances airside and terminal operations, ensuring efficient gate allocation and aircraft turnaround times. In March 2025, Delhi International Airport Limited introduced the Unified Total Airside Management (UTAM) system, an AI-enabled platform that integrates real-time data from various sources to monitor aircraft movements, ground service equipment and vehicles.
BIM in airport construction and design
Building information modelling (BIM) is revolutionising the design, construction and maintenance of Indian airports by enabling a data-driven, collaborative approach. BIM allows for the creation of intelligent 3D models integrating architectural, structural, and mechanical, electrical and plumbing components. Airports such as KIA Terminal 2 and the upcoming Noida International Airport have leveraged BIM for real-time design visualisation, clash detection and construction workflow optimisation.
Enhancing safety through ILS
The instrument landing system (ILS) continues to play a crucial role in improving aviation safety and operational efficiency, particularly in low-visibility conditions. By providing precise lateral and vertical guidance during aircraft approach and landing, ILS minimises risks associated with adverse weather, ensuring safer flight operations.
ILS upgrades at major airports include Chennai International Airport, which recently completed a significant upgrade to its ILS at both the Guindy and Pallavaram ends of the main runway. The installation was completed in October 2024, ensuring operational readiness ahead of the winter season, when reduced visibility poses a challenge to landings.
At KIA, Bengaluru, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) successfully calibrated the ILS on the north runway in January 2025. Full operational deployment is expected by May 2025. Similarly, GMR Hyderabad International Airport upgraded its runway to a Category II ILS in February 2025, allowing aircraft to land safely even when the runway visual range is as low as 300 metres.
As Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) moves toward its operational launch, significant progress has been made in infrastructure development. In March 2024, the airport construction team completed key runway sections, enabling ILS calibration ahead of the monsoon season. A major milestone was achieved in October 2024, when an Indian Air Force C-295 tactical transport aircraft successfully conducted the first landing at the NMIA airport. The airport has since completed flight calibration of its ILS and precision approach path indicator systems.
Strengthening cyber resilience
Indian airports are increasingly leveraging advanced technologies to enhance safety, security and operational efficiency. IGI Airport, Delhi, introduced UTAM in March 2025, integrating AI, ML and the internet of things (IoT) to monitor airside vehicles, predict delays and optimise runway occupancy.
While these advancements significantly strengthen airport safety and efficiency, there remains a vast scope for improvement in cybersecurity. As digital integration increases, securing airport networks, passenger data and critical infrastructure against cyber threats will be essential for long-term resilience. Implementing comprehensive cybersecurity strategies, continuous monitoring and regular assessments can fortify defenses against evolving threats.
Emerging technologies for airline operations and management
The Indian airline industry is embracing advanced technologies to enhance efficiency, safety and sustainability. AI and ML are transforming aircraft maintenance with predictive analytics, allowing airlines such as IndiGo and Air India to detect potential issues before they escalate, reducing downtime and operational disruptions. AI-driven dynamic pricing models are also optimising ticket fares based on real-time demand, improving revenue management. Additionally, IoT-based runway monitoring systems, deployed by the AAI, enhance safety by detecting surface hazards, while smart sensors in aircraft improve fuel efficiency and streamline maintenance processes.
Blockchain is emerging as a game-changer in airline operations, with Air India exploring its use for secure e-ticketing and transparent aircraft maintenance records, ensuring data integrity and reducing fraud. The push for sustainable aviation has also gained momentum, with SpiceJet pioneering India’s first biofuel-powered flight, highlighting the industry’s shift toward greener alternatives. Airports are adopting taxibots, which are semi-robotic towing vehicles that allow aircraft to taxi without engaging their main engines, leading to significant reductions in fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
The integration of 5G and cloud-based solutions is further modernising airline operations. With the roll-out of 5G, real-time communication between pilots, ground staff and air traffic control is improving operational coordination. Cloud-based airline management systems are streamlining processes such as flight planning, crew scheduling and passenger data management, making operations more efficient. As Indian airlines continue to adopt cutting-edge technologies, the industry is poised for a more efficient, secure and environmentally sustainable future.
Challenges and future outlook
As Indian airports continue to evolve with cutting-edge technologies, the focus remains on enhancing passenger experience, ensuring operational efficiency and strengthening safety. Innovations such as biometric-enabled baggage drops, automated baggage systems, AI-powered AOCCs and advanced ILS are driving the industry forward. However, challenges such as high implementation costs, integration with legacy systems, data privacy concerns and the need for robust cybersecurity measures pose significant hurdles. Overcoming these challenges through strategic investments, policy support and industry collaboration will be key to ensuring a seamless, secure and efficient future for India’s aviation sector.
