GMR Airports is changing airport travel. SGK Kishore, Executive Director and Chief Innovation Officer of GMR Airports, told The Hindu at Wings India 2026, "Over the next five to six years, many of the travel requirements that get done inside the airport terminal will move outside." This means things like boarding pass issuance and baggage check-in could happen before passengers even enter the terminal. Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) already offers cityside check-in. With advancements like seamless screening and baggage tracking, passengers won't need to arrive so early or feel stressed. One year ago, RGIA launched the Airport Operations Control Centre (APOC) as an internal digital control layer. Mr. Kishore said, "What began as an internal digital control layer is now emerging as the backbone for redesigning how airports function." APOC merges data from airlines, security, and airport operators into a single platform. This platform uses AI and analytics to give real-time alerts about congestion, delays, safety issues, and more. "The biggest comfort for all stakeholders today is that there is a single source of truth," Mr. Kishore noted. Earlier, different teams worked with separate data, causing fragmented communication. Now, all major groups work together from a common control room in Hyderabad. This helps in fast, coordinated action during busy festivals, bad weather, or unexpected events. The next step is to make airport operations predictive, not just reactive. Mr. Kishore said, "The objective is to bring down stress levels for passengers and improve the experience, while keeping it affordable." GMR Airports is leading the way in using smart technology to make flying easier and smoother for everyone.