Delhi airport gets AI-enabled system to streamline operations

“We are the first airport in India to implement this advanced solution. By applying AI and machine learning, we can predict and prevent delays, optimise turnarounds, and ensure smoother coordination between stakeholders like airlines, ground handlers, and security teams,” said Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO, DIAL.

UTAM enables operators to monitor aircraft movement, ground service equipment (GSE), and vehicle activity. It then integrates this real-time data and helps identify issues or delays and triggers alerts to prevent them. The system will be leveraging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and radar systems. The primary goal is to improve operational efficiency and enhance safety, according to the official statement.

UTAM allows airport staff to see the location of aircraft and support vehicles like baggage carts and fuel trucks. If there are any delays, the system immediately alerts the staff so they can take quick action. It also monitors the time ground support equipment takes to complete tasks, ensuring that services like baggage loading and aircraft refueling happen on schedule, the statement highlighted. The system tracks whether parking stands are in use or idle, helping optimise space and resources. Additionally, the system keeps track of which runways and taxiways are in use, allowing better coordination and reducing congestion.

On the safety side, UTAM makes sure that all vehicles on the airside follow speed limits. If any vehicle is moving too fast, an alert is triggered to prevent accidents. It also keeps an eye on whether vehicles are staying on their assigned paths. If a vehicle moves outside its designated route, the system immediately notifies airport staff so they can correct it. One of its most useful features is the ability to replay past events. If something goes wrong, such as a delay or a safety issue, airport authorities can look back at the recorded movements to understand what happened and prevent similar incidents in the future.

DIAL claims the system will bring all stakeholders, including the airlines, ground handlers, and airport authorities, onto a single platform and has established a centralised control room to monitor operations.