Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), one of India’s busiest aviation hubs, has taken a bold leap into the future of airport operations by launching a next-generation Airport Operations Control Centre (AOCC).
The state-of-the-art facility, developed over nine months, is now the digital nerve centre of the airport, integrating cutting-edge technology to enhance coordination, efficiency, and resilience. This transformational upgrade places CSMIA at the forefront of smart aviation infrastructure in India, as airports increasingly adopt digital platforms to streamline operations, reduce environmental impact, and improve passenger experience. With this move, the Mumbai airport joins a select group of global transport hubs deploying mobile-first, data-centric solutions to manage the complexities of modern aviation in real-time.
At the heart of this revamp is the introduction of a proprietary digital platform named aviio, developed under the umbrella of Adani Airports. This system enables the control centre to transition into a truly mobile and data-driven operations hub. The platform’s capabilities are powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), offering real-time situational awareness, predictive analytics, and proactive planning tools to support both daily routines and critical emergency responses. According to senior officials from the airport authority, the aviio platform offers granular control across departments and stakeholders — ranging from airside operations, terminal management, baggage systems, and maintenance to customs, security, and ground handling services. By consolidating these functions into one agile system, the AOCC can now manage live data feeds and make faster decisions, ensuring operational continuity and minimising passenger disruptions.
The redesigned AOCC incorporates three expansive videowalls spanning 37 metres, offering a panoramic, high-definition view of airport activities. These systems pull in data from multiple sources, enhancing visibility and enabling faster reaction times. The facility also includes a fully integrated Aerodrome Emergency Control Centre (AECC), equipped with advanced communications infrastructure, designed to handle high-pressure situations with precision. Remote annotation tools allow teams to annotate and update videowall content from off-site locations, marking a significant leap in decentralised decision-making. Scenario-specific data visualisation also allows the operations team to switch seamlessly between regular and emergency operations, optimising resource allocation accordingly.
Infrastructure upgrades within the AOCC further reflect a commitment to workplace wellbeing and sustainability. Ergonomic seating and Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled adaptive lighting have been introduced to support health and productivity. Refurbished conference rooms, breakout zones, and rest areas, including bunker beds and pantry spaces, cater to the demanding nature of around-the-clock airport operations. Officials involved in the project emphasised that the AOCC is not just a technological leap, but part of a broader vision of sustainability and resilience. By facilitating proactive decision-making, it reduces inefficiencies that often result in increased energy consumption or delayed operations. More accurate real-time data on aircraft movements and ground activity can help manage carbon emissions, reduce fuel burn during taxiing and idling, and optimise the scheduling of green mobility services such as electric ground vehicles.
The airport’s shift to a mobile-first control model also reduces dependence on centralised, energy-intensive infrastructure. Staff and decision-makers can access the aviio platform from mobile devices anywhere on the premises, or remotely if required, enabling real-time collaboration without requiring them to be physically stationed at the control centre. Industry experts note that with aviation traffic steadily rising post-pandemic and climate action commitments under increased scrutiny, digital transformation is no longer optional. Rather, it is essential for ensuring the long-term viability and environmental compliance of airport infrastructure. In India, where aviation is projected to grow at one of the fastest rates globally, such forward-looking investments could set a benchmark for sustainable operations.
In line with India’s broader push for smart cities and sustainable urban infrastructure, initiatives like CSMIA’s upgraded AOCC contribute to the vision of making transport hubs more environmentally responsible, gender-neutral in staffing protocols, and inclusive in operational planning. Officials highlighted that one of the longer-term goals of this transformation is to develop a replicable model that can be adapted across other Indian airports managed under the same network, ensuring operational parity and technological scalability. Furthermore, this evolution aligns with national digitalisation goals under the Digital India programme, and contributes to India’s commitments under international climate protocols. As airport operations are among the more complex and resource-intensive aspects of urban mobility, digitalising these backbones can significantly improve the efficiency of allied transport networks as well.
The revamped AOCC not only benefits the operational backbone of the airport but also improves the end-to-end experience for passengers. From quicker baggage turnarounds to better crowd flow management and on-time performance, these behind-the-scenes improvements translate into smoother and more predictable journeys for millions of domestic and international flyers using Mumbai as a transit or destination point. As airports become key nodes in the evolving urban infrastructure, CSMIA’s shift to a high-tech, human-centred, and environmentally conscious model may offer lessons for future mobility hubs. With India’s aviation sector poised for rapid growth, the importance of building smarter, greener, and more resilient airports cannot be overstated.
While the true measure of the AOCC’s success will unfold over time as it responds to both routine and unexpected operational challenges, its launch signals a decisive step towards aligning air transport management with the realities of a data-driven and climate-conscious future.
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