In the lead-up to the Inter Passenger Terminal Show (IPTS 2025), Media Fusion LLC hosted a high-impact media roundtable in Mumbai, convening influential voices from the government, aviation, and infrastructure sectors.
Held under the theme “Reimagining Airport Passenger Infrastructure through Innovation, Technology, and Sustainability,” the session offered critical insights into building airport ecosystems that are smarter, greener, and future-ready.
A high-powered panel
The roundtable brought together a distinguished panel of speakers: Joseph Gouda, Joint Director, Indian Revenue Service; Sumeet Suseelan, Member, Ministry of Civil Aviation (AAC), Government of India; Geetha Priya G, Senior Director & Sector Head – Infrastructure & Airports, JLL India; Nitin Sharma, DVP – Business Development, dormakaba; Vikram Falodiya, Head – Terminal Operations, Navi Mumbai International Airport; and Taher Patrawala, Managing Director, Media Fusion LLC.
India’s aviation growth and infrastructure roadmap
Discussions centred on India’s remarkable aviation trajectory—now the world’s third-largest domestic market, contributing 1.5% to national GDP and supporting 7.7 million jobs.
Over the last decade, more than 85 airports have been developed, with a roadmap to scale that number to 350 by 2047 under the government’s Viksit Bharat vision. The roundtable highlighted both the opportunities and the urgency to reshape infrastructure in line with this growth.
Priorities and policy needs
Speakers outlined key priorities, including the need to bridge infrastructure gaps, reduce import dependencies, and enhance regional connectivity through the UDAN scheme. Strengthening digital ecosystems to manage rising cybersecurity risks was also identified as a crucial area of focus.
With over $12 billion already invested in air transport infrastructure, India is setting its sights on capturing a $4 billion share of the global Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) market by 2031, with the aim of establishing itself as a self-reliant aviation hub.
Tech-led transformation in terminal design
The conversation also showcased a suite of transformative technologies shaping airport experiences: biometric-based Digi Yatra, AI-powered digital twins, integrated multi-modal transport systems, and Net Zero, LEED-certified terminals were all cited as pivotal in creating globally benchmarked, passenger-centric infrastructure.
Designing with foresight
Geetha Priya G, Senior Director – Infrastructure & Airports, JLL India, emphasised the need to build infrastructure that is resilient, adaptive and efficient. “Greenfield airports offer the luxury of blank canvas while brownfield sites push us to rethink with constraints for unique, smart and adaptive design solutions. […] Aligning this vision with financial models that attract private investment is key to delivering infrastructure that’s future-ready and locally responsive.”
Workforce reform and skilling
Sumeet Suseelan, Member, Ministry of Civil Aviation (AAC), highlighted the urgent need to expand training capacity and reform policy. “India is fast emerging as a global aviation talent hub, yet faces a significant manpower gap. […] With inclusive frameworks and the right incentives, India can not only bridge its local workforce shortage but also position itself as a global training destination.”
Vision behind IPTS
Taher Patrawala, Managing Director, Media Fusion LLC, reflected on the vision behind IPTS: “While working on Aviation 360, we saw a clear gap—India lacked a dedicated platform for the entire airport ecosystem. […] IPTS isn’t just another event—it’s a milestone in shaping India’s aviation future, with the long-term vision of becoming a truly global platform.”
Global innovation rooted in Indian needs
Nitin Sharma, DVP – Business Development, dormakaba, said, “India has transformed biometric travel with Digi Yatra, where your face becomes your boarding pass. […] India’s rapid pace of innovation is not only enhancing domestic operations but creating airport solutions the world is now adopting.”
Security meets seamlessness
Joseph Gouda, Joint Director, Indian Revenue Services, highlighted the balance between security and seamless travel: “India’s aviation growth presents a dual challenge—securing borders while easing the journey for millions of law-abiding passengers. This transformation will make our infrastructure both more secure and passenger-friendly—essential for India’s aviation future.”
Urgency for capacity and connectivity
A spokesperson from Navi Mumbai International Airport spoke on the need for collaboration and policy support to boost air connectivity. “With surging passenger traffic, cities like Mumbai may need new airports by 2040. […] India has a real opportunity to transform its aviation ecosystem by 2047.”
People-first infrastructure planning
Beyond infrastructure, the roundtable also delved into the human dimensions of the sector. Topics included empowering India’s aviation workforce, increasing women’s leadership in terminal design and operations, and creating a fertile ground for Indian startups to contribute meaningfully to the evolution of airport infrastructure.
Looking ahead to IPTS 2025
The insights and collaborations shaped at the roundtable are expected to inform key dialogues and announcements at the IPTS 2025, on June 11 and 12, at Mumbai, which will convene over 3000 stakeholders in a nationwide effort to redefine the future of India’s airport infrastructure strategy.
