From Ports to Airports: What Drove Adani Group’s Entry Into Aviation

The Adani Group’s foray into aviation was not a strategic departure but a natural extension of its core infrastructure business, according to Jeet Adani, director at Adani Airports.

Speaking to India Today, Jeet Adani said the group has always approached long-term infrastructure assets with a consistent operational philosophy, whether in ports, logistics or aviation. He explained that the shift from ports to airports aligned seamlessly with the group’s expertise in executing large, complex infrastructure projects.

According to Jeet Adani, the experience gained from managing ports and logistics networks gave the group confidence to enter aviation. He noted that core operational principles such as efficiency, technology adoption and future readiness apply equally across both sectors. From an execution standpoint, he said, the fundamentals remain unchanged.

However, aviation brought a new challenge for the group — the consumer-facing nature of airport operations. Unlike ports, airports interact directly with passengers on a daily basis. Jeet Adani said customer experience and product creation were new focus areas, prompting the group to build dedicated teams specialising in passenger services, design and experience management.

This approach, he said, is reflected in how Adani Airports has planned terminal layouts and passenger movement. Every element, from flow management to amenities, has been designed with travellers in mind, ensuring that efficiency and comfort are given equal priority.

Jeet Adani also highlighted the importance of regional identity in airport development. He said each airport under the Adani Airports portfolio is designed to reflect local culture, art and heritage. By integrating regional narratives into modern infrastructure, the group aims to make airports feel rooted in the cities they serve rather than generic transit hubs.

Describing airports as long-term assets, Jeet Adani stressed that aviation infrastructure requires patience, sustained investment and disciplined execution. He added that groups with experience in delivering complex projects are naturally suited to the aviation journey.

He also spoke about the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, calling it a critical milestone for aviation growth in the Mumbai region. The project, he said, addresses long-standing capacity constraints at Mumbai’s existing airport and is expected to unlock new avenues for growth and global connectivity.

According to Jeet Adani, while the Navi Mumbai airport marks a significant achievement for the group, it represents just one phase of a much longer growth trajectory in Indian aviation infrastructure.