Evaluating options for ground handling business: Adani Airport CEO
Arun Bansal, CEO, Adani Airports.
Airport operator AAHL (Adani Airport Holdings Ltd) is evaluating options for entering into the ground-handling business, the company’s chief executive, Arun Bansal, told businessline.
Ground handling includes a number of services, such as passenger services, baggage handling and maintenance activities.
As a first step, AAHL has hired key industry professionals and has applied for regulatory and security clearances, said Bansal.
The company intends to become a major player in ground-handling services within the next five years.
To reach such a level, AAHL will be tempted to grow the business organically and inorganically, depending on the options it has, especially after the revocation of Celebi India’s security clearance.
Industry insiders cited that either the company will enter into the segment via an organic standalone unit or through an inorganic route such as a joint venture or buying out an existing player.
Navi Mumbai ops
Bansal told businessline that “Navi Mumbai work is in full speed, and at this moment we are working with airlines and regulatory authorities to finalise the date for the start of commercial operations.”
“Fully-integrated testing of all systems is also ongoing in parallel. We also have an external dependency to have CISF, customs and immigration personnel on the ground, and we are working with them to have smooth operations from Day 1,” he said.
As per industry insiders, AAHL is expected to start domestic operations at Navi Mumbai Airport by July.
Everything is in place, said another industry insider, citing that the CISF is yet to take over the security of the facility. Besides, security sweeps by the agencies are pending.
Furthermore, ground handling agencies need to set up their units, and airlines are also expected to soon open their offices.
Industry insiders said that initially domestic operations will start, but if there is demand for international operations, then both the segments could commence at the same time.
Six airports
AAHL had emerged as the highest bidder for the operation, management and development of six airports: Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Jaipur, Guwahati and Thiruvananthapuram.
It has signed concession agreements with the Airports Authority of India for all six airports.
AAHL also holds a 73 per cent stake in Mumbai International Airport Ltd., which in turn holds a 74 per cent stake in Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd.
Currently, AAHL is India’s largest airport infrastructure company—accounting for 25 per cent of passenger footfalls and 33 per cent of India’s air cargo traffic.
Published on June 4, 2025
