Ground Facilities

1.      The AAI will set standards of performance in various areas of passenger and cargo handling, so that both ICAO standards as well as comparable standards at similar airports around the world, are achieved. For this purpose, procedures will be simplified, regulations which delay or restrict movement of traffic reviewed and efforts made to reduce ground delays to a minimum.

2.      Dwell time of passengers and cargo will be drastically reduced, thus enhancing capacity at existing airports. The short-term objective will be to clear incoming international passengers within 45 minutes of arrival and clear departing passengers in 60 minutes including check-in-time. Similar targets of 30 and 45 minutes respectively, will be laid down for domestic flights.

3.      Technological and other improvements will be made by introduction of automation and computerization, mobile check-in counters, improvement in emigration/immigration and security checks, mechanization of baggage and ground handling services, provision of aero-bridges, introduction of better systems of passenger transfer between terminals, improvement in cargo terminals, reduction in bunching of flights and contracting out of operating and maintenance facilities. New approaches in airport design will be required to accommodate technological innovations like the New Large Aircraft. Construction technology and architectural inputs will also need to be updated to standards applicable globally.

4.      Efforts will be made to upgrade the facilities, manpower, equipment, etc., by concerned departments and institutions like customs, immigration, meteorology, oil companies, etc., so that these keep pace with the upgradation of airports, enabling the users to experience the optimum benefits of airports as 'cohesive' transit points.

5.      Apart from the AAI and the national carriers, private agencies will also be encouraged for providing ground handling services.