Delhi Airport Unveils AI-Driven UTAM System To Revolutionise Airside Operations, Reduce Delays, And Enhance Safety

In a significant step towards streamlining airside operations, the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has introduced the Unified Total Airside Management (UTAM) system.

This cutting-edge initiative, PTI reported, will leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced radar systems, aims to minimise delays, improve turnaround time, and ensure stringent monitoring of airside vehicles to prevent violations.

According to a statement from DIAL, the UTAM system will provide real-time data collection, identifying inefficiencies, flagging delays, and triggering alerts to mitigate operational disruptions before they occur.

A centralised control room has been established to track and oversee all airside activities, ensuring seamless coordination between multiple stakeholders, including ground handling service providers.

Airside operations encompass all aspects related to an aircraft’s movement, such as take-off, landing, parking, refuelling, and baggage handling.

With UTAM, Delhi Airport will have an unparalleled real-time view of aircraft movements within a 10, 40, and 70 mile radius, along with tracking aircraft hovering in the airspace.

Beyond aircraft management, UTAM will play a crucial role in monitoring the speed of all airside vehicles, including baggage carts, fuel trucks, and maintenance vehicles.

Additionally, it will ensure that Ground Support Equipment (GSE) remains on designated paths, issuing immediate alerts in case of any violations.

"UTAM will not only enhance operational efficiency but also ensure a safer environment for passengers and airport staff. By applying AI and ML, we can predict and prevent delays, optimise turnarounds, and ensure smoother coordination between stakeholders like airlines, ground handlers, and security teams," said DIAL CEO Videh Kumar Jaipuriar.

The airport operator has already conducted a successful pilot project in collaboration with Akasa Airlines, and the system is set to be expanded across other airlines in a phased manner over the next two to three months.

The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), India’s busiest airport, manages around 1,300 flight movements daily. With UTAM, DIAL is poised to set a new benchmark in airport operational efficiency,