The Cabinet is likely to consider a new ground handling policy shortly, which would allow airport operators, Air India or other service providers to carry out these activities at the six major airports from next year.
As the issue concerns airport security, it would be deliberated upon for approval by the Cabinet Committee on Security, sources said.
Ground handling activities range from passenger check-in, baggage and cargo handling to cleaning and refuelling of air planes.
As of now, the new policy that has to be approved is to be implemented from January 1.
The implementation of the policy has been delayed following objections by private carriers, with whom the Civil Aviation Ministry held several rounds of discussions in the past few months. Inter-ministerial consultations were also held.
Private airlines are opposing the policy saying it will bind them to choose from only the three agencies to get these services and wanted self-handling to be allowed, as it is at present.
They also point out that they made huge investments and employed large manpower to provide these services at various airports.