India’s airports are changing into business enablers by integrating technology, co-working pods and automated baggage handling to reduce disruptions for corporate travellers
Janice Alyosius
With business travel steadily rebounding and MICE activity gaining traction, airports are no longer just transit points; they are evolving into strategic touchpoints that can shape the perception of India as a global business hub. This transformation is being driven by government vision, private investments and the rising expectations of travellers who value efficiency, comfort and connectivity above all.
At present, the aviation sector is soaring to new heights with infrastructure growth and a sharp focus on sustainability. From 74 airports in 2014, there are now 160 operational airports, with plans to add 50 more in the next five years and a total of 200 in the next two decades.
Delhi’s IGIA now ranks as the 9th busiest airport in the world, handling 77 million passengers annually. The global outbound market share of Indian carriers has climbed from 36 per cent in 2019 to 47 per cent in 2024. Major metros such as Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Bengaluru are investing in second airports—Navi Mumbai, Jewar, Parandur and a new proposal for Bengaluru.
Expectations
Corporate travellers expect airports to offer speed, comfort and seamless connectivity. Varun Bhardwaj, Head, Corporate Sales, Teleperformance, “The ability to check-in and access boarding passes via mobiles is essential. Business travellers rely on airport apps that provide accurate flight updates, navigation help and other travel-related services.” Highlighting the importance of biometric technology for faster security clearance, he added, “Mobile and laptop charging stations and wellness amenities such as spas, currency exchange counters, ATMs and sleeping pods, enhance the travel experience.”
Despite improvements, Indian airports face persistent issues. He explained, “Congestion and long queues are major pain points. Security checks often require removing electronics and shoes, which slows down the process. Getting to check-in gates at Delhi and Mumbai airports can be challenging due to sprawling terminals.”
When comparing Indian airports with global business hubs, he noted, “India is making rapid progress. The government is planning to upgrade infrastructure, streamline security and immigration processes.” He said, “Indian airports are on the path to become global biz hubs, but there is still work to be done to fully meet the expectations of corporate travellers.”
TMCs as connective tissue
Corporate travellers get weary of chaotic airport experiences—long security lines, unclear gate changes and confusing terminal layouts. Naomi Dias, Commercial Director, FCM Travel India, commented even frequent flyers can feel lost amid the disarray at Indian airports, especially when last-minute changes are not well communicated. “Executives do not want surprises. They want speed, clarity, and order,” she said. To bridge the gap, FCM has rolled out real-time app notifications for gate changes and boarding updates.
Dias sees potential in digital initiatives such as Digi Yatra to ease congestion and speed up entry. She noted airport support services are often either pricey or poorly developed. To resolve that, she recommended affordable and dedicated helpdesks, especially for elderly and differently-abled travellers. “For a seamless corporate travel experience, TMCs must work with airports to build data-led, AI-powered systems to minimise travel friction,” she added. As per her, Hyderabad and Delhi stand out for smart services and infra upgrades and others should follow suit.
Prateek Wadhwa, Director, Dreamtrip4u, drew attention to the inconsistencies at Indian airports. “Unpredictable baggage handling and weak intermodal transport options derail travel experience,” he explained. These delays can impact corporate agendas, especially for travellers trying to squeeze meetings into tight schedules.
He urged Indian airports take cues from as Singapore’s Changi and Dubai international airports, where biometric check-ins, smart navigation, and seamless luggage transfers are the norm. “It is time to prioritise automation and build business-friendly spaces,” he said. Real-time baggage tracking, co-working pods and high-quality executive lounges are non-negotiable, Wadhwa listed.
He commended the Delhi India Gandhi International Airport metro link and express lanes, the Bengaluru’s artificial intelligence-driven rebooking features and the Mumbai’s redesigned terminals. Wadhwa said connectivity to city centers still needs to be worked upon. “For the MICE travellers, an event begins the moment a traveller lands. So, the Indian airports must see themselves as part of the event delivery system,” Wadhwa concluded.
Inside strategy room
“We are implementing biometric-based facial recognition from the terminal entry to boarding gates,” said Christoph Schnellmann, CEO, Noida International Airport. Promising a seamless journey, he said that self-service kiosks for check-in and baggage tagging will shrink queues and put travellers in control. The airport is also integrating DigiYatra and has partnered with the Mahindra Logistics Mobility to offer premium electric taxi service with curbside pickup, which is ideal for time-sensitive executives.
The NIA’s luxe lounge, developed with Travel Food Services, will offer live culinary stations, a cocktail bar and spa services alongside a luxury zone for relaxation. Schnellmann shared plans to explore a high-speed rail link linking New Delhi and Varanasi via NIA. This could reduce travel times and enhance connectivity. The airport has implemented many technology-driven solutions to reduce waiting times, revealed Pradeep Panicker, Chief Executive Officer, GMR Hyderabad International Airport.
“We offer self-service kiosks for check-ins and automated bag drops, reducing the queue size,” he said. The NIA has integrated DigiYatra making entry, security and boarding contactless. There are check-in and security lanes for domestic business class passengers. e-gates speed up immigration with facial recognition as part of Fast Track Immigration programme.
The airport has premium services with Prive Lounge at international gates. There are plans set up two more at domestic and international terminals. Business travellers benefit from transit sleeping pods and co-working spaces at the Isprout Flyers Club. The FASTag Car Park system, with RIFD technology, reduces wait times for parking .
An Airport Predictive Operations Centre unifies airside, landside and terminal ops using real-time data. Plans are afoot to set up business centres, meet and greet services and privacy pods for corporate travellers. “We aim to offer a seamless experience of keeping pace with the demands of busy business travellers,” he said.
Growth enablers
The true measure of the airports’ success lies in delivering seamless, tech-enabled and stress-free experiences to corporate travellers. As India positions itself as a MICE and business travel powerhouse, its airports must evolve from gateways to growth enablers.
- From 74 airports in 2014 in the country, there are currently 160 operational airports, with plans to add 50 more in the next five years and a total of 200 in the next two decades
- The true measure of airports’ success lies in delivering seamless, tech-enabled and stress-free experiences to corporate travellers
