Adani Group Eyes Airport Ground Handling Amid Celebi’s Exit
The Adani Group is preparing to make a significant foray into the airport ground handling business, marking a strategic expansion of its aviation operations. This decision comes in the wake of Turkish operator Celebi’s exit from Indian airports, a development that has created a vacuum in ground services across key locations.
Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), which oversees the group’s airport portfolio, has confirmed its intention to bid for ground handling contracts at several major airports, including those in Mumbai and Ahmedabad. To manage this new line of business, a specialized ground handling company will be established under the Adani umbrella.
Ground handling services are vital to the smooth functioning of any airport. They include passenger check-in, cargo and baggage handling, ramp services, aircraft cleaning, refueling support, and catering coordination. By stepping into this domain, the Adani Group aims to offer a complete suite of airport solutions under one operational ecosystem.
Airport Services Expansion
The timing of Adani’s move is particularly noteworthy. Following Celebi’s exit, which was prompted by the revocation of its security clearance, several airports have been left without a comprehensive ground handling partner. This has opened up opportunities for new entrants, particularly those with an established presence and financial muscle like the Adani Group.
To lead this initiative, the group has appointed Anurag Srivastava, a seasoned professional with extensive experience in ground handling operations, as the CEO of its ground handling business. His appointment signals the group’s commitment to ensuring a smooth and professional rollout of these services.
Currently, the Adani Group operates eight airports in India, including the high-traffic Mumbai International Airport and the under-construction Navi Mumbai International Airport. While the initial focus of the ground handling business will be on its own airport network, plans are underway to offer services at other airports as well.
Celebi Exit Impact
The ground handling market in India is competitive, with existing players such as Air India SATS, Bird Group, and AI Airport Services Limited already providing services across several airports. However, Celebi’s abrupt departure has reshuffled the field, allowing space for a new entrant to redefine the standard of operations.
Adani’s entry into this segment is expected to raise the bar, especially given the group’s resources, strategic intent, and growing dominance in the Indian aviation infrastructure sector. The move aligns with its broader vision to transform airport management in India by offering integrated, efficient, and secure services.
With this initiative, the Adani Group is poised to become a one-stop solution provider for aviation operations, from terminal management to ground services, reinforcing its role as a key stakeholder in shaping the future of Indian civil aviation.
