How handling works at Indian airports
Ground handling at India's major airports is provided by handlers authorised at each airport. The handlers available differ by airport and can change when concessions are renewed. AISATS, Bird Group and Çelebi are among the established names; which one serves your flight at a given airport is confirmed when we make the request.
LFS is an independent trip-support and dispatch company. We do not operate these handlers. We choose the appropriate handler for the airport and flight, send a complete request, and align it with the permit, fuel and crew plans so the operator deals with one contact.
Airports covered
- Delhi — Indira Gandhi International (VIDP / DEL)
- Mumbai — Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (VABB / BOM)
- Bengaluru — Kempegowda International (VOBL / BLR)
- Chennai — Chennai International (VOMM / MAA)
- Hyderabad — Rajiv Gandhi International (VOHS / HYD)
- Kolkata — Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (VECC / CCU)
Airport pages
Station detail is on Delhi VIDP handling and Mumbai VABB handling. For other Indian airports, see India airport coverage.
What to expect at each gateway
Delhi (VIDP)
India's busiest airport, used for government, diplomatic, corporate and airline traffic. Parking for non-scheduled aircraft can be limited at peak times, so early requests give more options.
Mumbai (VABB)
The commercial capital's airport is very busy and space-constrained. Slots and parking for business aviation need careful planning, and long stays may need a different arrangement from a quick turnaround.
Bengaluru (VOBL)
A major technology and business hub with growing corporate and cargo traffic. Often used for business visits with schedules that change at short notice.
Chennai (VOMM)
A key southern gateway for automotive and manufacturing business, and for cargo. Useful for flights connecting with Sri Lanka and South East Asia.
Hyderabad (VOHS)
A large modern airport serving technology, pharmaceutical and corporate traffic, with cargo activity alongside passenger movements.
Kolkata (VECC)
The main gateway for eastern India, with links towards Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and South East Asia.
Services we coordinate
- Arrival and departure ramp handling, marshalling and parking
- Ground power, air start, pushback and towing where needed
- Passenger and crew processing, customs and immigration coordination
- Lavatory and potable water service
- Cargo acceptance and loading coordination for freighter flights
- Catering delivery coordination
- Crew transport and hotel bookings
Permits from DGCA India
Non-scheduled foreign flights into India need permission from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and some flights need additional clearances. Documents, notice periods and conditions depend on the flight type and operator, and are confirmed when we review the request. See flight support in India and landing permits. Permits are granted by the authority and cannot be guaranteed by LFS.
Fuel uplift
Jet A-1 at Indian airports is supplied by national and private fuel companies, including IOCL and BPCL at many airports. We book the uplift ahead of arrival and put the fuel release on the trip sheet. Supplier, payment method and any taxes depend on the airport and flight type. See aviation fuel services.
Crew transport and hotels
Crew visa and entry requirements for India depend on nationality and the type of flight, and are confirmed before departure. We book transport and hotels near the airport or in the city. See crew logistics.
How a request works
1. Send the flight details
Aircraft type and registration, schedule, routing, purpose of flight, passenger or cargo details and the services you need.
2. We check and request
We confirm the handler, parking and slot, prepare or check the DGCA permit, and book fuel and crew logistics.
3. You receive one confirmation
A trip sheet showing the handler, parking, permit status, fuel release and crew arrangements, updated in writing if anything changes.
Information that speeds up an India request
Indian permit applications ask for detailed operator, aircraft and passenger information. Requests move faster when they include the aircraft's registration documents, insurance, the air operator certificate where relevant, crew and passenger details, purpose of the flight, maximum take-off weight and dimensions, fuel quantity and planned time on the ground. If any document is missing, we tell you straight away.
Multi-city trips within India
Many visits include more than one Indian city. Each leg can need its own handling, parking and permission, and domestic legs by a foreign-registered aircraft are subject to specific rules. We plan the whole itinerary together so the handler at each airport has the right information and the permit covers the routing you intend to fly.
Seasonal and weather considerations
Winter fog can reduce visibility at airports in northern India, particularly Delhi and Kolkata, in the early morning between December and February. Monsoon rains between June and September affect Mumbai and other western and southern airports. These conditions can lead to delays, diversions and changed parking needs. We take them into account when planning arrival times and alternates, and keep the handler and permit aligned if the plan changes.
Festival periods and major events can also raise demand for parking and slots at the largest airports, so early requests give the most options.
Cargo and special flights
Freighter flights need weights, dimensions, loading equipment and any dangerous goods declared in advance. Acceptance depends on the airport, handler and authority, and we confirm it before the flight is planned around it. Medical and humanitarian flights can be requested outside office hours, and the desk works with the authorities and airport to see what is possible.
Changes on the day
Schedules for business trips to India often change at short notice. When an arrival time moves, the handler, parking, slot, fuel and crew transport all need to move with it, and some changes also need the permit to be amended. We update every provider together and confirm the new arrangements back to your crew in writing. If a change cannot be accommodated, for example because a slot or parking position is not available at the new time, we explain why and suggest the nearest workable option.
We also keep the operator informed of any airport notices that could affect the flight, such as runway works or temporary restrictions, so the crew is not surprised on arrival.
Costs and invoicing
Handling charges are set by each handler and airport and depend on aircraft size, services and time on the ground. We do not publish fixed prices. You receive an estimate when we review the request; the final invoice reflects the services provided. Credit account holders can receive handling, fuel and permits on one LFS invoice.
Who uses this service
Corporate flight departments, charter operators, aircraft management companies, cargo operators, airlines needing ad hoc support and brokers moving passengers or cargo into India.
Airlines looking for sales representation can also see airline GSA services. For other networks, see all handling partners.
Frequently asked questions
Is LFS a ground handler in India?+
No. LFS is an independent trip-support company. We coordinate handling with the authorised handler at each Indian airport.
Which handlers do you work with in India?+
We coordinate with established handlers such as AISATS, Bird Group and Çelebi. The handler for your flight depends on the airport and is confirmed when we request it.
Which Indian airports do you cover?+
Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata, with other airports reviewed on request.
Can you obtain the DGCA permit?+
Yes. We prepare and submit the application and align it with handling and parking. Approval is decided by the authority.
Can you arrange fuel in India?+
Yes. We book Jet A-1 uplift with the supplier at the airport and put the fuel release on the trip sheet.
How much notice do you need?+
India permit applications can need several working days. Send flights as early as possible; the desk confirms what is realistic.
Ready to plan your India handling?
Send your aircraft, schedule and services needed through our request form. Our dispatch team will confirm the handler, permit and supporting services for each airport. All arrangements remain subject to airport, handler and authority approval.