Lead - Aviation Safety

About the business

Adani Group is a diversified Indian conglomerate with 10 publicly listed companies and a broad logistics and utilities infrastructure footprint across the country. Headquartered in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, it has built a strong position in large-scale infrastructure development, with operations and maintenance practices aligned to global standards. The group includes four IG-rated businesses and is the only infrastructure investment grade issuer in India.

Adani Airports Holding Limited is redefining the airport experience by turning airports into high-performing centres for connectivity, innovation, and service quality. The organisation focuses on passenger experience, advanced technology, and operational excellence to build modern airport infrastructure across India, with an emphasis on sustainable growth and positive community impact.

Role purpose

The Lead - Aviation Safety role is accountable for overseeing day-to-day airside operations so aircraft and ground activities are handled safely and efficiently. The position supports operational discipline, coordinates across airport functions, supervises airside teams, and addresses issues that may affect runway, taxiway, stand, and gate operations.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee all airside activity in line with national and international aviation safety standards, including DGCA requirements.
• Reduce airside incidents and accidents by managing ground handling operations and coordinating with service providers.
• Ensure ground support equipment is available, maintained, and fit for use, while schedules are followed effectively.
• Manage aircraft movement on the ground, including taxiing, take-off, and landing coordination.
• Work closely with ATC to support safe aircraft flow and maintain effective communication between pilots, ground teams, and control functions.
• Monitor and optimise the use of aircraft stands and gates.
• Prepare and manage disabled aircraft removal arrangements to enable quick recovery after incidents.
• Coordinate emergency communication and response with airport emergency teams and external agencies.
• Review incidents after occurrence to strengthen future response and readiness.
• Identify operational and safety risks in airside areas and create practical mitigation plans.
• Carry out safety audits and risk assessments, then convert findings into action plans.
• Develop, revise, and maintain SOPs for safe and efficient airside functioning.
• Build and update contingency plans for disruptions such as evacuations, aircraft incidents, and adverse weather.
• Supervise airside project execution and maintenance work to keep equipment and facilities operating at optimal levels.
• Maintain strong discipline and safety standards among employees and contractors working in airside zones.
• Lead, assess, and develop airside staff, including interviewing candidates and participating in hiring decisions.
• Strengthen team performance through coaching, training, and a collaborative workplace culture.
• Stay current with digital and AI developments to improve efficiency, innovation, and business performance.
• Use a digital-first mindset to support continuous operational improvement and competitiveness.

Stakeholder management

Internal stakeholders: Head - Airside Operations, Air Traffic Control (ATC), Ground Handling Teams, Terminal Operations Team, Facilities Team, Airport Security, Maintenance and Engineering Department, Customer Service Teams, IT Department, Safety and Compliance Department, and Marketing and Communications Department.

External stakeholders: Airlines, regulatory authorities such as FAA and ICAO, ground handling service providers, ATC, local emergency services, passengers, cargo operators, fuel suppliers, vendors, and contractors.

Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management, Aeronautical Engineering, or a closely related field is required. A master’s degree or specialised certification in aviation safety, operations management, or a similar discipline is preferred.

Certifications

Preferred certifications include SMS Certification, Air Traffic Management Certification, and Emergency Response Planning Certification.

Experience

Candidates should bring more than 10 years of airport operations experience, including 5 to 7 years of strong hands-on exposure to safety compliance, ground handling, airfield maintenance, and emergency response.

Other information

This role requires a high level of responsibility in maintaining airside safety, operational coordination, and readiness for emergency and disruption scenarios.