During a three-month transition period, the AAI will hand over the reins to GMR-Fraport, its joint venture partner, completely.

Tuesday's ceremony was attended by top AAI and GMR officials, where officials promised several short-term changes to make the airport passenger-friendly.

The GMR will, for the time being, operate out of its Gurgaon office. Only some key officials will be stationed at the airport in the first month. An official said in the first of the three months, their job would be to observe and learn from the AAI employees, who now become employees of the joint venture.

During the second month, the operations will be handled under the instructions of senior GMR officials. "In the third month, former AAI officials and GMR staff will work in tandem," said a senior official. p GMR-Fraport has prepared a checklist of passenger facilities that needs to be improved in the short term. You name a problem and we will try and-solve it," said the official.

The Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, is already helping out with improving toilets and approach roads to the terminal buildings. Better baggage handling, a cleaner airport, a semblance of order in parking lots, steps to reduce long queues and improving food counters are some of the measures that will be introduced, The focus will then be on changing the facade and refurbishing the interiors of the three-terminal airport.