Airports Authority of India: Managing India’s Aviation Infrastructure

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is a public sector enterprise that operates under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India. Its main objective is to create, upgrade, maintain and manage civil aviation infrastructure in India, with a vision to make the country’s airports and airspace more modern and efficient. AAI manages a vast network of airports, including 137 facilities in total. Out of these, 34 are international airports that connect India to destinations around the world. Additionally, there are 10 Customs Airports that facilitate international trade and commerce, 81 domestic airports that cater to domestic air travel, and 23 Civil enclaves at Defence airfields that serve as an extension of the military airbase.

AAI’s services extend beyond managing airports. The organization is also responsible for providing Communication Navigation Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) services over the Indian airspace and adjoining oceanic areas. This includes maintaining and operating 29 Radar installations at 11 locations across the country, which help track and monitor flights over major air routes. Furthermore, AAI has installed over 700 VOR/DVOR (VHF Omni-directional Range/ Doppler VHF Omni-directional Range) installations co-located with Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) at various airports, which help in aircraft navigation and positioning.

To ensure the safety of aircraft operations, AAI maintains ground installations at all airports and 25 other locations. This includes providing Instrument landing system (ILS) installations on 52 runways, which help pilots make accurate landings, even in low visibility conditions. Most of these airports also have Night Landing Facilities, which enable flights to land safely even after dark. Additionally, AAI has implemented an Automatic Message Switching System at 15 Airports, which helps in efficient communication and coordination between pilots, air traffic controllers, and ground staff.

In summary, AAI’s responsibilities include managing and maintaining a vast network of airports, providing air traffic control services, and ensuring safe aircraft operations. The organization’s efforts have played a crucial role in the growth of India’s aviation sector and the country’s overall development.

• The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is a public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India.
• AAI manages a network of 137 airports in India, including 34 international airports, 10 Customs Airports, 81 domestic airports, and 23 Civil enclaves at Defence airfields.
• AAI provides Communication Navigation Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) services over the Indian airspace and adjoining oceanic areas.
• AAI has 29 Radar installations at 11 locations and over 700 VOR/DVOR installations co-located with Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) to ensure safe air travel.
• AAI maintains ground installations at all airports and 25 other locations to ensure the safety of aircraft operations.
• AAI has installed Instrument landing system (ILS) installations on 52 runways and Night Landing Facilities at most airports to facilitate safe landings.
• AAI has implemented an Automatic Message Switching System at 15 Airports to enhance communication and coordination.
• AAI plays a crucial role in the growth of India’s aviation sector and overall development.