Roles and Responsibilities of Ground Staff

November 29, 2025

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Roles and Responsibilities of Ground Staff: Airport Ground Staff Jobs, Salary, Qualifications & Career Growth (2025 Edition)

The aviation sector is one of the fastest-growing industries in India, with airports expanding, new airlines launching, and passenger traffic increasing every year. At the center of this growth is an essential workforce—the airport ground staff. They ensure that every flight operates safely, efficiently, and on time.

1. What Is Ground Staff in Airport?

Airport ground staff are aviation professionals who handle passenger services, flight operations, baggage management, safety protocols, and coordination at airports. They work inside terminals, on the ramp, at boarding gates, and in airline back offices. They form the backbone of airport operations and support the airline from the moment a passenger enters the terminal until the aircraft takes off.

Entities Involved
  • Airlines (IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, Akasa Air)
  • Airport operators (GMR, BIAL, MIAL, Adani Group Airports)
  • Ground handling agencies (AIASL, Bird Group, Celebi Aviation, Globe Ground)
  • Regulatory authorities (DGCA, IATA, ICAO)

For an in-depth guide on airport duties and pay scale, you may also read our Airport Ground Staff Salary Guide.

2. Airport Ground Staff Job Description

The airport ground staff job description includes passenger assistance, customer service, flight coordination, and ramp duties. This is a multitasking role that requires professionalism and excellent communication.

Key Components
Passenger Service Associate (PSA)
  • Check-in assistance
  • Ticketing & reservations
  • Boarding pass issuance
  • Passenger guidance across airports
Customer Service Agent (CSA)
  • Handling inquiries
  • Rebooking tickets during delays/cancellations
  • Managing complaints
  • Providing special assistance (wheelchair, unaccompanied minors)
Baggage Handling Staff
  • Tagging & sorting luggage
  • Supervising loading/unloading
  • Handling damaged or misplaced baggage
  • Reporting to ramp supervisors
Gate Agents
  • Managing boarding process
  • Verifying documents
  • Making announcements
  • Coordinating final departure clearance

3. What Is the Work of Ground Staff in Airport?

Many aspirants ask: “What is the work of ground staff in airport?” Here is a complete overview of their daily tasks:

1. Pre-Flight Duties
  • Check-in, verification & boarding
  • Updating flight database
  • Seat allocation & bag tag printing
  • Ensuring baggage is loaded
2. During-Flight Coordination
  • Communicating with dispatch control
  • On-time boarding
  • Final passenger count (LMC)
  • DGCA safety compliance
3. Post-Flight Duties
  • Baggage unloading
  • Assisting transit passengers
  • Managing connecting flights
  • Document closure
4. Special Handling
  • VIP passengers
  • Elderly travelers
  • PRM passengers
  • Unaccompanied minors

4. Roles and Responsibilities of Ground Staff

This section covers a complete list of roles and responsibilities of ground staff at airports.

Passenger Handling Responsibilities
  • Greeting passengers
  • Verifying passports, visas & IDs
  • Guiding through security & immigration
  • Resolving customer queries quickly
Flight Operations Responsibilities
  • Coordinating with cockpit crew
  • Weight & balance calculation
  • Updating flight manifest
  • Communicating delays/gate changes
Customer Service Responsibilities
  • Handling complaints & escalations
  • Providing alternate booking solutions
  • Queue management
  • Offering flight information
Baggage Management Responsibilities
  • Sorting baggage using BHS
  • Tracking restricted baggage
  • Preparing PIR reports for lost bags

5. Airport Ground Staff Qualification (Eligibility Criteria)

Education 10+2 (HSC). Diploma in Aviation preferred.
Age 18–27 years
Skills English, grooming, basic computer, teamwork
Physical Good health, ability to stand long hours

To increase your placement chances, consider joining the Airport Ground Staff Diploma Program.

6. Ground Staff Salary in India

Position Salary (Monthly)
Freshers ₹18,000 – ₹26,000
Customer Service Agent ₹22,000 – ₹35,000
Baggage / Ramp Staff ₹15,000 – ₹25,000
Senior Executive ₹40,000 – ₹60,000
Duty Manager ₹65,000 – ₹95,000

You can also explore the salary structure in our Airport Ground Staff Salary in India (2025) detailed guide.

7. Work Environment, Shifts & Lifestyle

  • Fast-paced working environment
  • 24×7 rotational shifts
  • Airport-based workspace

8. Career Growth for Airport Ground Staff

Here’s the complete growth ladder:

Entry-Level Roles
  • CSA
  • PSA
  • Ramp Agent
  • Baggage Handler
Mid-Level Roles
  • Senior Executive
  • Team Leader
  • Duty Officer
  • Load & Trim Officer
Senior Roles
  • Duty Manager
  • Station Manager
  • Airport Operations Manager
  • Aviation Trainer

Tags : Airport Ground Staff | Ground Handling Jobs | Airport Operations | Airline Careers | Aviation Courses India | Ground Staff Roles & Responsibilities