The Indian aviation sector has made notable progress over the years. Airports have expanded both in scale and number owing to rising demand for air travel. Greenfield projects and expansion initiatives now feature advanced terminal designs with a focus on sustainable operations. The management of aircraft and passengers is being further enhanced through technological integration. Industry experts highlight the key trends shaping the aviation sector, recent milestones, sustainability and technology initiatives, key challenges and the future outlook…
What are the key trends shaping the airport sector in India? What were some of the key operational milestones achieved by your airport in the past one year?
Daniel Bircher
India’s aviation sector stands at an inflection point. The country is now the world’s third largest aviation market, having crossed the milestone of 350 million total air passengers last year. This growth is being driven by an expanding middle class, greater business and leisure travel, and the country’s increasing integration with the global economy. In 2024, India surpassed Brazil and Indonesia to become the third largest domestic aviation market, underscoring the scale and pace of change.
For the aviation industry, these are exciting times that bring an imperative to build capacity, enhance efficiency and ensure sustainable growth. Major Indian airlines are placing record aircraft orders, with the country’s total fleet size expected to double by 2030. The demand is not just for more flights, but also for better connectivity, smoother travel experiences, and infrastructure that is resilient and future-ready.
It is in this dynamic context that Noida International Airport (NIA) is taking shape. As one of India’s largest greenfield airport developments, NIA is designed to play a pivotal role in meeting future demand, easing congestion at existing hubs, and creating new opportunities for connectivity and commerce. From the start, our core planning philosophy has been to create an airport that seamlessly blends passenger experience, operational efficiency and sustainability, drawing on over 75 years of expertise of Zurich airport in designing and running globally recognised airports. Our vision is to provide world-class infrastructure, seamless connectivity and a superior passenger experience while also contributing to the economic and social transformation of the surrounding region.
We are confident that the Indian aviation market will continue to expand strongly in the coming years, creating growth across the value chain – from airline and cargo operations to tourism, hospitality and logistics. NIA’s role will be to act as both an enabler and a catalyst for this growth.
The past year has been one of significant progress as we move steadily towards operational readiness. In December 2024, we achieved a major milestone with the successful completion of our validation flight, operated by IndiGo. This critical step confirmed the precision of our approach procedures, navigational aids and air traffic control (ATC) systems, and took us closer to commissioning in 2025. On the airside, infrastructure is now almost ready. Finishing works and technical installations are progressing rapidly at the passenger terminal building. We have launched a comprehensive operational readiness and airport transition (ORAT) programme, which is essential to ensure that all systems, processes and personnel are fully prepared before we welcome our first passengers. This includes trial runs, simulations and familiarisation programmes for airlines, ground handlers and other operational partners.
As India’s manufacturing and export sectors expand, efficient and well-connected cargo infrastructure will become increasingly critical. The integrated cargo terminal, being built by Air India SATS, is also nearing completion, and its ORAT programme will commence shortly. This facility will be a key component of our vision to position NIA as the cargo gateway for northern India, leveraging our location and connectivity to serve industrial clusters in Uttar Pradesh and the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). The facility will be designed to handle a wide variety of goods, from perishables and pharmaceuticals to electronics and automotive components, making it a critical enabler of the region’s manufacturing and export ambitions. By offering faster turnaround times and streamlined customs processes, NIA aims to become the preferred cargo hub for industries across northern India.
Other important steps include the handover of our ATC tower to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) in early 2025, and the recent move of our Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting team into the Fire Watch Tower. The next major milestone is the issuance of the aerodrome licence by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Once this is secured, the start of operations will be planned in close coordination with our partners to ensure a seamless and safe launch. These achievements have been possible thanks to the strong support of the Uttar Pradesh government, AAI, DGCA and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security.
Pradeep Panicker
India’s airport sector is experiencing unprecedented growth and transformation, driven by rising domestic demand and supportive government policies. The key trends include rapid expansion of airport infrastructure, increasing private participation and a strong rebound in air traffic. The number of operational airports in India has more than doubled from 74 in 2014 to 157 airports in 2024. India is now the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market, with passenger traffic reaching 411 million in FY 2024-25, a 9.4 per cent year-on-year growth. This surge is supported by record aircraft orders by Indian airlines, rising middle-class travel and the government’s target of increasing airport numbers to 350-400 by 2047 to further improve connectivity. Airports are also evolving into aerotropolises (commercial hubs) with landside development in the form of real estate, retail and logistics zones spurring economic growth.
Hyderabad airport, one of India’s leading public-private partnership (PPP) airports, has achieved several significant operational milestones in the past year. Passenger traffic surged to over 29 million in FY 2024-25, reflecting an impressive 18 per cent year-on-year growth, the highest among all metro airports in the country. This growth underscores the airport’s rising prominence and its strategic role in India’s aviation landscape.
The airport now connects to 97 destinations (25 international and 72 domestic) with new routes added to Hong Kong, Phuket, Ho Chi Minh City, Addis Ababa and Madina. This expansion is supported by the addition of new international carriers including Cathay Pacific, VietJet, Ethiopian Airlines and Thai Air Asia. To accommodate growing passenger traffic and enhance operational efficiency, the airport has introduced several key infrastructure upgrades:
- Expanded passenger terminal: The capacity has increased from 12 million passengers per annum (mppa) to 34 mppa, with the ability to handle up to 40 mppa.
- Airport predictive operations centre (APOC): Through artificial intelligence (AI) and digital twin technology, APOC enables real-time, data-driven decision-making for seamless operations.
- General aviation terminal: It offers premium services for chartered and private flights, enhancing the airport’s luxury travel services.
- Enhanced passenger experience: A wide array of retail and dining options, along with Encalm Lounges, ensure comfort and convenience for all travellers and visitors.
On the sustainability front, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) has achieved significant milestones. These include the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum Certification (June 2025) under LEED v4 Building Design and Construction, recognising excellence in green building practices; the Airports Council International (ACI) Level 5 “Transition” Carbon Accreditation (April 2025), positioning Hyderabad among the top four airports in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions for its commitment to net zero emissions; and the Excellence in Water Conservation & Climate Change Mitigation award at the 6th ASSOCHAM (Southern Region) CSR and Sustainability Awards 2025.
Hyderabad airport continues to set benchmarks in capacity expansion, service excellence and environmental stewardship, reinforcing its role as a key player in India’s aviation growth story.
“Airports across India are adopting cuttingedge technologies to become smarter, safer and more passenger-friendly. The focus is on digitalisation and automation.” Pradeep Panicker
Bhaskar Rao
India’s aviation sector is witnessing rapid growth, driven by rising passenger volumes, the expansion of domestic routes and the steady recovery of international travel. Airports are evolving into holistic travel and lifestyle hubs, with equal emphasis on operational excellence, passenger experience and commercial diversification.
At Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (BLR airport), the past few years have been marked by several key milestones. We scaled up operations at Terminal 2 (T2) to handle a growing mix of domestic and international flights, while initiating the refurbishment of Terminal 1 (T1) to enhance efficiency and passenger comfort. The past year saw the launch of new commercial concepts, inauguration of premium lounges and expansion of duty-free offerings, enriching the travel experience of all travellers. Passenger numbers continued to grow steadily, cargo operations maintained strong performance and non-aeronautical revenues increased, supported by a wider and more engaging retail, food and beverage, and services portfolio.
During FY 2024–25, BLR airport served over 41.88 million passengers, earning a place in the Airports Council International Large Airport category, and processed 502,480 metric tonnes of cargo. As south India’s busiest and the country’s third largest airport, BLR Airport reached a significant milestone in February 2025, surpassing 350 million cumulative passengers since its opening. In terms of cargo, it continues to be the leading airport for processing perishable cargo in India for the fourth consecutive year.
“Sustainability lies at the core of our long-term vision for airport operations.” Bhaskar Rao
What technologies are being adopted to enhance operational efficiency, security and passenger facilitation at Indian airports?
Daniel Bircher
Airports in India are increasingly deploying technology to meet the twin goals of operational efficiency and improved passenger experience. At NIA, our vision is to blend Indian warmth and hospitality with Swiss precision and efficiency. The airport will feature self-bag drops and self-boarding gates to reduce queues and enhance throughput. All gates will be DigiYatra-enabled, facilitating swift and secure biometric-based travel without the need for repeated document checks. This not only improves passenger convenience but also strengthens security. Our terminal design incorporates mixed-rotation gates, allowing an aircraft arriving from a domestic destination to depart to an international one, and vice versa, from the same gate. This operational flexibility helps maximise gate usage and reduce turnaround times. The multilevel layout of the terminal ensures that domestic and international passengers remain separated as per security protocols, while still enabling efficient passenger flows.
Behind the scenes, we are integrating advanced airport management systems for resource allocation, baggage handling and real-time operational monitoring. These systems will enable our teams to respond swiftly to changing conditions and ensure consistently high service standards.
“The Indian aviation market will continue to expand strongly in the coming years, creating growth across the value chain. NIA’s role will be to act as both an enabler and a catalyst for this growth.” Daniel Bircher
Pradeep Panicker
Airports across India are rapidly adopting cutting-edge technologies to become smarter, safer and more passenger-friendly. The focus is on digitalisation and automation to improve operational efficiency and elevate the travel experience.
One of the flagship initiatives is DigiYatra, a facial recognition-based e-gate system enabling paperless and seamless passenger check-ins. First piloted at Hyderabad airport in 2019 and officially launched in 2022, DigiYatra is now operational at 28 major airports, significantly accelerating entry and security clearance.
Hyderabad airport has been a pioneer in digital transformation. It was the first in India to implement end-to-end electronic boarding (e-boarding) for domestic flights, eliminating paper boarding passes and manual checks. The airport introduced APOC, a first-of-its-kind initiative in India, built on an Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) platform with live dashboards to optimise aircraft turnaround times, resource allocation and disruption management. APOC integrates AI-based analytics, internet of things (IoT) sensors and predictive tools to monitor everything from airside operations to terminal conditions, enhancing on-time performance and operational agility.
Passenger facilitation has also undergone a transformation. Self-service kiosks for check-in and baggage tag printing are now standard at major airports. Self-bag drop machines allow passengers to deposit luggage independently, reducing wait times. We have introduced a city-side self-check-in facility, bringing new levels of freedom and flexibility in the airport journey. With this innovative feature, passengers can check in, drop off baggage and obtain their boarding passes before entering the terminal building. Mobile apps and digital platforms, such as the HOI app, provide real-time flight updates, gate guidance, indoor navigation and duty-free shopping, positioning themselves as master travel apps. Contactless services, expanded post-Covid, include digital lounge menus, UV-cleaning robots and contactless parking payments. Hyderabad airport introduced express security lanes for domestic passengers without checked baggage, using barcode scanning and biometrics to expedite screening.
In addition, we have strengthened security with AI-powered surveillance and analytics to detect unusual activity or overcrowding in real time. We have also implemented the “Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Travelers’ Program”, launched by the Government of India, which uses biometric e-gates to streamline immigration for Indian passport holders and OCI cardholders. Smart infrastructure is also improving ground operations. IoT-enabled smart parking systems with number plate recognition are easing vehicular flow. Further, autonomous robots are being deployed at the airport for cleaning and food delivery at boarding gates, ensuring hygiene and convenience. These innovations collectively enable Indian airports to manage growing passenger volumes, ensuring greater efficiency, safety and comfort, and reinforcing their role in the country’s aviation growth story.
Bhaskar Rao
BLR airport continues to be a pioneer in digital transformation. We were among the first airports in the country to implement DigiYatra, enabling seamless biometric-based, paperless travel. Our biometric-enabled self-baggage drop facilities streamline check-in, while the automated tray retrieval system at security check points improves throughput. Advanced body scanners and a smart queue management system enhance security while reducing waiting times. The BLR Pulse app offers real-time updates, wayfinding and personalised assistance, ensuring passengers remain informed and connected throughout their journey.
What are the key sustainability initiatives being undertaken? What are the strategies being followed for achieving carbon neutrality and net zero targets?
Daniel Bircher
Sustainability is not an afterthought at NIA; it has been embedded in our planning and design from the outset. From the earliest stages, environmental impact has been a key criterion in the selection of our planning, design and construction partners. We are incorporating a wide range of measures to minimise our carbon footprint:
- Renewable energy: On-site solar power generation will be complemented by off-site renewable sources such as wind.
- Energy efficiency: Passive design features like natural lighting, ventilation and glare protection reduce energy consumption while enhancing passenger comfort.
- Water and waste management: Rainwater harvesting, onsite sewage treatment and waste management facilities will ensure responsible resource use.
- Clean mobility: Electric taxis, electric vehicle (EV) charging and electric ground support equipment will enable lower emissions.
During construction, special precautions have been taken to protect biodiversity. Over 580 trees have been transplanted within the site, and more than 133 hectares of green area is planned within the airport perimeter.
Pradeep Panicker
Sustainability is no longer a peripheral goal; it is at the heart of India’s airport development strategy. Airports across the country are embracing green practices and setting ambitious targets to achieve net zero carbon emissions, well ahead of the global aviation benchmark of 2050.
At Hyderabad airport, we are proud to be leading this transformation. As of 2023, the airport meets 100 per cent of its energy needs through renewable energy sources, including solar and wind power, completely eliminating dependence on fossil-fuel grid electricity. This commitment is reflected in our infrastructure as well. The expanded terminal was awarded the LEED Platinum certification in 2025 for its sustainable design and construction.
We have implemented LED lighting, advanced building management systems and efficient airfield operations to further reduce our environmental footprint. These include:
- Fixed electric ground power units at aircraft gates to minimise jet fuel usage.
- Fuel-efficient taxiing procedures such as rapid exit taxiways.
- Biodiesel buses and EV for airside transport.
EV charging stations and battery-operated ground support equipment (GSE) to phase out diesel-powered units.
We have also built a GSE tunnel, which minimises the movement of ground vehicles and contributes to estimate annual savings of 7,000 tonnes of carbon emissions.
In addition, RGIA achieved Level 5 Carbon Accreditation under ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation programme in April 2025, becoming carbon neutral for its own operations. We are now working to influence emissions from third-party stakeholders such as airlines and ground transport providers. Our road map to net zero by 2030, which is two decades ahead of the International Civil Aviation Organizations’s (ICAO) global goal, focuses on:
- Accelerated transition to renewable energy and electrification.
- Carbon offsetting for residual emissions.
- Collaboration with airlines to explore sustainable aviation fuels.
The goal is clear: to enable carbon-neutral growth of India’s airport infrastructure while balancing rapid expansion with climate responsibility. Hyderabad airport remains committed to setting benchmarks in sustainability and driving meaningful change in the aviation sector.
Bhaskar Rao
Sustainability lies at the core of our long-term vision for airport operations. BLR airport has implemented a range of initiatives, from energy-efficient terminal design to rainwater harvesting, renewable energy integration and waste management systems. T2 is built as a carbon-neutral terminal, featuring extensive natural lighting, indoor greenery and sustainable materials.
Our strategy to achieve net zero carbon emissions focuses on transitioning to 100 per cent renewable energy, improving energy efficiency across operations, enhancing carbon sequestration through green cover, and engaging our supply chain partners in sustainable practices. We are also investing in electric and low-emission ground support equipment to reduce airside emissions.
What are the key challenges being faced?
Daniel Bircher
Constructing a greenfield airport on the scale of NIA is a complex undertaking. The site itself spans 1,334 hectares with multiple facilities, encompassing the runway and passenger terminal, the ATC tower, sewage treatment plants, office blocks and data centres.
One of the most significant challenges lies in integrating large and diverse groups of stakeholders. The complexity of logistics on such a vast site, with multiple construction activities running in parallel, demands precise coordination, robust planning and constant communication.
Our teams and partners have worked with remarkable commitment and professionalism. The dedication of everyone involved has been a defining factor in our progress.
Pradeep Panicker
Despite positive momentum, India’s airport sector faces several pressing challenges that must be addressed to sustain long-term growth. Infrastructure capacity is a major concern, as rapid passenger traffic is straining existing facilities, especially at major hubs. Many airports are nearing their design limits, resulting in congestion and potential declines in service quality and punctuality. While expanding terminals and runways is essential, long project cycles and resource constraints make timely execution difficult. The push to develop dozens of new airports also demands skilled expertise in planning and construction.
Operationally, congested airspace and inefficiencies in air traffic management continue to pose challenges. Airports with high traffic volumes are operating with limited runway capacity, resulting in delays. Modernising ATC systems, redesigning flight paths and training air traffic controllers are critical to improving throughput.
Weather-related disruptions, such as fog in north India, still cause significant delays, underscoring the need for wider deployment of CAT III instrument landing systems and trained pilots.
Security management remains a constant concern. As passenger volumes rise, airports must maintain stringent security protocols without causing excessive wait times. This requires investment in advanced screening technologies and streamlined processes, which often depend on regulatory approvals. A shortage of trained personnel in security agencies further compounds the issue. For example, at Hyderabad airport, adequate infrastructure is in place, but full utilisation is hindered by limited security staff. Environmental and community considerations also play a crucial role.
Airport expansion must be balanced with sustainability goals. This includes managing carbon emissions, noise pollution and local employment impacts, which require thoughtful planning and stakeholder engagement. Additionally, the sector’s rapid growth demands a large pool of skilled professionals – pilots, air traffic control officers (ATCOs), ground staff, central industrial security force personnel, immigration officers and regulatory experts. Talent shortages, particularly in ATC and specialised airport operations, pose risks to safety and efficiency. Training and retaining skilled personnel is also a sector-wide challenge.
At the same time, rising passenger expectations require airports to maintain high service standards, even during infrastructure upgrades. Ensuring cleanliness, minimising wait times, and maintaining smooth operations amid construction is no small feat. While Indian airports have performed well in global ASQ passenger satisfaction rankings, maintaining those standards consistently under increasing pressure is an ongoing challenge. Encouragingly, stakeholders, including the government, airport operators and airlines, are aware of these issues and are taking steps to address them. Initiatives such as faster project approvals, tariff reforms and modernisation programmes are already under way. A collaborative and forward-looking approach will be key to turning these challenges into opportunities for innovation and improvement.
Bhaskar Rao
The sector’s rapid growth presents challenges such as capacity planning, peak-hour congestion, and the need to balance expansion with environmental responsibility. Volatility in global supply chains can disrupt infrastructure projects, while evolving security protocols demand continuous investment in training and technology. Another key challenge is achieving sustainable growth, which requires careful planning to meet both operational and environmental goals.
What will be your key focus areas and priorities for the next two years?
Daniel Bircher
Looking ahead, our immediate focus will be on ensuring a safe, smooth and successful start to operations. Achieving high service standards from day one will be critical, as will scaling up efficiently to meet growing demand.
We will also begin planning the next phase of development towards the end of the decade. This expansion will ensure that we continue to meet capacity needs while enhancing connectivity and passenger experience.
As we grow, NIA will act as a catalyst for the economic and social development of the region. The airport will open new opportunities for trade, tourism and investment while creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs. By enabling faster movement of people and goods, we will connect businesses to markets and communities to opportunities, supporting the country’s aviation-led growth story.
With India’s aviation sector poised for sustained expansion, airports like NIA have a pivotal role to play. By working in step with the broader ecosystem, we aim to make NIA a growth engine for the region – an airport that contributes to prosperity far beyond its perimeter.
Pradeep Panicker
Over the next two years, India’s airport sector, and Hyderabad airport in particular, will focus on consolidating recent growth while building future readiness. With Hyderabad airport recording an impressive 18 per cent year-on-year growth, the highest among metro airports, the immediate priorities are twofold: optimising current operations for efficiency and passenger experience, and accelerating planned expansions and technological innovations to meet future demand. Enhancing regional connectivity remains a key agenda, with continued support for UDAN routes. The government is working to improve their viability based on learnings from past phases, ensuring more small cities gain sustainable air access.
Sustainability will continue to be a driving force across all airport initiatives. We expect more airports to declare carbon neutrality, install megawatt-scale solar farms, and transition to electric ground fleet as interim steps towards net zero goals. At Hyderabad airport, the focus will be on leveraging the recent terminal expansion, which now supports up to 34 million passengers annually, and preparing for the next phase of growth. This includes streamlining processes and maintaining award-winning service quality, with Hyderabad airport consistently achieving a 4.9/5 ASQ customer satisfaction score. Increasing international connectivity is also a strategic priority. The Hyderabad airport is actively engaging with airlines to launch new medium- and long-haul routes, including a potential non-stop flight to the US, and additional frequencies to Europe and East Asia, aligning with the city’s emergence as a global tech and biotech hub.
Based on a recently completed traffic study, Hyderabad airport has initiated a master planning exercise to define its ultimate capacity. Within the next five years, the airport aims to begin construction and operationalise a new terminal and a second runway. Cargo infrastructure is also set for expansion, with plans to increase volumes to 300,000 metric tonnes by enhancing facilities for e-commerce and perishable goods. On the commercial front, GHIAL will advance its AeroCity development, including new hotels, business parks and a logistics zone, creating a vibrant airport city ecosystem that attracts both travellers and businesses. Internally, the focus will be on process innovation and resilience, refining business continuity and crisis response plans, and investing in staff training across new systems and customer service to uphold the airport’s brand promise: “Experience Epic Everyday”.
Bhaskar Rao
Our focus will remain on expanding T2 to cater to future passenger growth, enhancing landside infrastructure, including the western crossfield taxiway for more efficient aircraft movement, and implementing airside upgrades to support higher traffic volumes. We will continue to invest in digital innovation, commercial offerings and sustainability projects to strengthen BLR airport’s position as a future-ready aviation hub for India and the region.
