Jaipur, popularly known as the Pink City of India, is a famous tourist destination owing to its rich cultural heritage. Serving as a crucial hub for domestic and international travel; Rajasthan’s largest airport, the Jaipur International Airport strives tirelessly to meet global standards of safety, efficiency, and comfort. The airport is the 10th busiest airport in the country with an annual passenger footfall of more than five million. Through its environment-friendly initiatives and sustainable practices, Jaipur Airport is a testament to Rajasthan’s spirit of progress and hospitality. Chief Airport Officer-Jaipur International Airport, Vishnu Mohan Jha, shares insights into the functioning of Jaipur’s bustling airport.
Smart Traffic Solutions
New technologies enable effective management of traffic. Around 55 lakh passengers have travelled through the Jaipur Airport this fiscal year, surpassing pre-Covid traffic. Digi Yatra, E-Gates for pre-security check, advanced security screening equipment for passenger processing, and high-speed internet service for two hours are some of the services offered to passengers. 5G services will be launched soon.
Automated parking management systems enabled with FASTag, and fast EV charging stations are available on the landside. All outlets in the airport are enabled for cashless transactions. Passengers can offer feedback using QR codes. An automated dashboard monitors the feedback in real-time.
All airport services are accessible to passengers via smartphones through the new Adani One app. Flight booking, real-time flight information, F&B, retail, cab services, and pre-booking parking slots are features available on the app. AI-enabled cameras installed at critical locations monitor safety compliances.
SDG, ESG & Net Zero Initiatives
A few actions adopted by Jaipur Airport to support ESG goals are as follows:
• Transition of all company-owned conventional fuel vehicles to EV
• Installation of Fast EV charging stations in the airport for usage by staff, stakeholders, and public
• Conversion of all high Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants to low GWP refrigerants
• Conversion of CO2-type fire extinguishers to non-CO2-based extinguishers to the extent possible, considering mandatory safety requirements
• Replacement of all conventional lights in the terminal and airside with LED lights
• Usage of 1.8 MW captive solar plant to reduce dependency on grid energy
• Implementation of no ‘single-use-plastic’ usage within airport premises
Jaipur Airport has developed a mini forest under Vriksh Kunj — a theme by the state forest department — and simultaneously facilitated a natural pond for rainwater harvesting. Over 4,000 saplings of local species have been planted here and another 1,500 fresh ones will be planted.
The airport’s Sustainable Development Goals include ACI Level 4+ by 2025, Zero waste to landfill & transition to green electricity by 2026, being water-positive by 2027, and Operational Net Zero by 2029.
The actions taken for Environmental, Social and Governance have been appreciated and rewarded with the Gem 5 certified Green Building award by ASSOCHAM, APEX India Green Leaf Award – Gold Category, and the prestigious Silver Award at SEEM National Energy Management Awards.
Advice for new airports
There is a steady rise in preference for air travel among the public. This trend aligns well with the increase in the number of upcoming airports across India. Various government initiatives including, the Udaan Scheme to promote Regional Connectivity encourage passengers residing in Tier 2 and 3 cities to travel by air. Keeping in line with the rising demand, Vishnu Jha says, “new airports have become lifestyle destinations”.
Nowadays, airports offer customized services to passengers. Various industries are offered an opportunity to grow and generate employment within the airport premises.
Jaipur Airport Traffic
Jaipur is the only international airport in Rajasthan and caters to passengers traveling to various locations in the Middle East and Far East countries. Jaipur Airport is connected to 23 domestic destinations (including all metro & most Tier 1 cities), through seven domestic airlines. On average, 16,500 passengers travel through the airport, which is primarily for tourism, business, education, medical, weddings, conferences, and events.
Service Providers Engaged
Essential services for airport operation that are provided by external service providers include, housekeeping services (Janitorial Service, Pest Control, Waste Management Service), Repair/ Maintenance Services (Airport Systems, IT systems, HVAC), and Security Services (provided by CISF across all airports in the country).
Government agencies like India Post, APHO (Airport Health Office), IMD (Indian Meteorological Department), Indian Customs, and Bureau of Immigration are providing direct and indirect services on behalf of the Govt of India. Ground Handling Agencies, Oil Marketing Companies, and In-flight Catering Service Companies provide their services for the smooth operation of airlines.
Service partners are operating around 85 different outlets in the terminal and landside, which provide world-class F&B, retail, and other offerings, including essential services like Money Exchange, Baggage Wrapping, Cab Service, and ATM facility.
Jaipur Airport reflects its commitment to excellence with state-of-the-art facilities, robust maintenance schedules, and innovative green initiatives. The operations are streamlined to meet sustainability goals without compromising on passenger safety, comfort, and experience. Serving as a shining example of aviation excellence, Jaipur Airport’s operations pave the way to meet the evolving challenges of modern air travel and environmental responsibility.