GM - Master Planning

The Head – Airports Master Planning is responsible for monitoring, reviewing, and supporting the execution of the long-term development roadmap for the airports. The role translates strategic growth objectives into integrated masterplans covering terminals, airside and cityside infrastructure. It involves reviewing technical assumptions, coordinating with cross-functional teams, ensuring regulatory alignment, and tracking phased implementation. The position also provides planning support for commercial and connectivity projects, while maintaining documentation, compliance oversight, and reporting to leadership and regulatory bodies.

Responsibilities

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Strategic & Technical Master Planning

• Formulate & implement comprehensive airport master plans including phased development aligned with forecasted air traffic, business objectives, and long-term operational needs.
• Facilitate integration of airside, terminal, and landside planning with commercial, cargo, and support infrastructure.
• Collaborate with the sector head to periodically update the master plan to reflect demand growth, policy shifts, technological changes, and land availability.
• Monitor and advise on height restrictions, radar/NAVAID protection, and ICAO Annex 14 compliance in and around the airport.

• Adherence to Master Plan provisions

Aeronautical Planning- Technical Aspects

• Plan and optimize runway orientation, length, and configuration based on wind analysis, airspace constraints, and operational requirements.
• Define taxiway network layout (parallel, rapid-exit, loop, cross, and connecting taxiways) for operational efficiency and minimal aircraft taxi time.
• Design apron layouts to accommodate a range of aircraft types (Code C to Code F), including remote stands, contact gates, and GSE movement corridors.
• Conduct Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) and Protected Surface Analysis in line with ICAO Annex 14 and DGCA CARs.
• Evaluate airspace design, flight procedures, and coordinate with AAI for integration into regional air navigation planning.
• Analyze aircraft movement forecasts to assess runway and taxiway capacity using simulation tools (e.g., SIMMOD, CAST).
• Plan airside safety zones including RESA, Runway Strip, Taxiway Strips, and Blast Pads as per regulatory norms.

• Accuracy of aeronautical planning aspects
• Adherence to statutory guidelines
• No. of non-compliance cases

Capacity Planning & Forecasting

• Lead traffic forecasting for passenger, cargo, and aircraft movements using data modeling and scenario-based forecasting.
• Conduct infrastructure capacity assessments across airside (runway, taxiway, apron), terminal (check-in, security, immigration), and landside (access roads, parking).
• Define and validate Level of Service (LoS) standards and saturation triggers for timely expansion planning.

• Accuracy of capacity assessments

Land Use & Zoning

• Optimize zoning for aeronautical, commercial, cargo, and support functions to ensure flexibility and expansion potential.
• Coordinate with urban planners and city authorities for off-airport zoning, land acquisition, and access planning.

• Adherence to land zoning guidelines

Design Coordination & Implementation Support

• Review and approve spatial layouts, concept designs, and design briefs from architects and engineering consultants.
• Drive embedding of master planning principles in detailed design and execution phases.
• Lead planning reviews during construction to address changes, phasing adjustments, or technical deviations.

• Adherence to master planning principles

Responsibilities

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Regulatory & Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise with DGCA, MoCA, ICAO, AAI, BCAS, and other regulators for approvals and compliance.
• Interface with internal teams (Engineering, Commercial, Operations, Safety, ESG) to ensure alignment.
• Collaborate with airline partners, cargo operators, ground handlers, and concessionaires for infrastructure planning inputs.

• Stakeholder Satisfaction Score

Innovation, Benchmarking & Sustainability

• Benchmark global best practices in airport master planning, modular terminal designs, aerodrome safety, and capacity building.
• Promote sustainable airport design, including integration of solar energy, green buildings, and efficient multimodal connectivity.
• Incorporate digital tools (e.g., BIM, GIS, digital twins) into the planning process for visualization and impact analysis.

• Innovation adoption rate

Documentation, Compliance Review & Reporting

• Maintain, review, and update all master planning documents, including layouts, planning briefs, strategy decks, feasibility reports, and SOPs.
• Review consultant submissions and internal proposals to validate alignment with master planning principles and development objectives.

• Completeness of master planning documents

Team Development and Management

• Conduct periodic evaluations, identify training needs, facilitate skill development programs, and enhance team competencies.
• Address team concerns, provide guidance, and create opportunities for professional growth.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Attrition rates
• Employee Engagement scores

• Airport Authority of India
• Ministry of Civil Aviation
• Deputy General of Civil Aviation
• Bureau of Civil Aviation & Security
• Delhi Metro Rail Corporation

• Airside and Terminal Operation, Commercial Aero & Non-Aero
• Project & Engineering, SPG, Commercial Property Development
• Aviation Services, Fire & Safety, Connectivity, Security
• Environmental, Finance

• Directly not a cost center, but indirectly monitors and effectively controls the entire development program conducted under by various units at the airports

• Consultants hired as per the projects

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, Civil Engineering, or Aviation Planning; Master’s in Airport Planning, Urban Design, or Transportation Engineering preferred.
• In-depth understanding of ICAO Annex 14, IATA ADRM, FAA ACs, and DGCA CARs.
• Proficiency in airport planning tools like AutoCAD, AviPLAN, AirTOP, CAST, GIS, or similar simulation and visualization tools.

• At least 16 years including at least 8 years in aeronautical/airport planning roles with hands-on experience in greenfield and brownfield projects