The Airports Authority of India (AAI), under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, is responsible for creating, upgrading, maintaining, and managing civil aviation infrastructure across India. AAI also provides Air Traffic Management (ATM) services over Indian airspace and adjoining oceanic regions to ensure the safe and efficient movement of aircraft.
Airport Management & Infrastructure
AAI manages a total of 137 airports, including:
- 34 International Airports
- 10 Customs Airports
- 81 Domestic Airports
- 12 Civil Enclaves at Military Airfields
Additionally, AAI has ground installations at all operational airports and 25 remote locations to ensure aircraft safety.
AAI plays a key role in maintaining air navigation services, covering major air routes across Indian airspace through:
- 29 Radar installations at 11 locations
- 700 VOR/DVOR installations co-located with Distance Measuring Equipment (DME)
- 52 runways equipped with Instrument Landing System (ILS) and night landing facilities
- Automatic Message Switching System (AMSS) at 15 airports
Air Navigation & Surveillance Systems
AAI has been a pioneer in adopting cutting-edge technology for air traffic management:
- Automatic Dependence Surveillance System (ADSS): Implemented at Kolkata and Chennai Air Traffic Control Centres, making India the first country in Southeast Asia to use this satellite-based technology for oceanic air traffic control.
- Performance-Based Navigation (PBN): Already implemented at Mumbai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad Airports, with phased implementation planned at other airports.
Training & Flight Inspection
AAI operates four training establishments:
- Civil Aviation Training College (CATC) – Allahabad
- National Institute of Aviation Management and Research (NIAMAR) – Delhi
- Fire Training Centre (FTC) – Delhi
- Fire Training Centre (FTC) – Kolkata
AAI also operates an Aerodrome Visual Simulator (AVS) at CATC Allahabad, along with non-radar procedural ATC simulator equipment at Allahabad and Hyderabad Airports.
AAI’s dedicated Flight Inspection Unit (FIU) has a fleet of three aircraft fitted with flight inspection systems for calibrating navigation aids such as:
- Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) (up to Cat-III)
- VORs, DMEs, NDBs, VGSI (PAPI, VASI), and Radar (ASR/MSSR)
In addition to its in-house calibration, AAI provides flight calibration services to the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and private airfields.
Joint Ventures & Airport Modernization
To modernize key airports, AAI has entered into joint ventures with private operators at:
- Mumbai
- Delhi
- Hyderabad
- Bangalore
- Nagpur
Through these partnerships, AAI aims to enhance airport infrastructure, improve passenger experience, and support the growing aviation sector in India.
1.jpg)
