Bengaluru Airport Gets New COO: Girish Nair Returns to Lead Operations and AI Push

Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL), the operator of Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), has appointed Girish Nair as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective December 1. Nair returns for his second stint at BIAL, having previously served as assistant vice president-head, airline marketing & aviation contracts from 2010 to 2013. He succeeds Satyaki Raghunath, who served as COO between November 2023 and October 2025 and will continue to support the airport as a consultant.

In his role as COO, Nair will oversee the airport’s comprehensive operations, including daily operations, customer service, safety and security, corporate strategy, and business development. His responsibilities will also cover traffic forecasting, slot coordination, airline marketing, route development, cargo operations, and management of aviation concessions. Additionally, Nair will focus on airport capacity planning, master planning, and initiatives at the BIAL Innovation Lab, which spearheads digital transformation and analytics projects.

A key area of focus for Nair is technology-driven growth, including the adoption of generative AI solutions to enhance airport efficiency and passenger experience. BIAL has previously collaborated with KPMG India, where Nair worked, to create a platform aimed at transforming airport operations. His prior experience in consulting is expected to accelerate the airport’s modernization efforts.

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Before rejoining BIAL, Nair spent over three years at KPMG India as partner, mobility & logistics, serving as global lead for airports and national lead for aviation. He also brings extensive aviation sector experience, having held positions such as chief commercial officer at GoAir (2013–2014) and general manager, international projects at Jet Airways (2001–2010).

Industry experts note that Nair’s return to BIAL comes at a crucial time as the airport seeks to expand its operational capabilities and strengthen its technological infrastructure. His expertise in aviation strategy and commercial operations is expected to drive efficiency, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

With Nair at the helm, Bengaluru International Airport aims to reinforce its position as a leading aviation hub in India. Stakeholders anticipate accelerated implementation of digital initiatives, improved passenger services, and enhanced airline partnerships under his leadership.

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