Airports Authority of India

The Airports Authority of India, or AAI, is a statutory body responsible for developing and managing civil aviation infrastructure in India. It was constituted under the Airports Authority of India Act, 1994 and came into existence in 1995 through the merger of the International Airports Authority of India and the National Airports Authority.

Statutory mandate

Under Section 12 of the 1994 Act, AAI must efficiently manage airports, civil enclaves and aeronautical communication stations entrusted to it. Subject to directions of the Central Government, it provides air traffic services and air transport services at airports and civil enclaves.

• AAI functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
• Its mandate covers both ground infrastructure and the communication, navigation and surveillance systems required for aircraft operations.

Principal functions

• AAI plans, develops, constructs, operates and maintains airports, civil enclaves, runways, taxiways, aprons and terminal facilities.
• It provides communication, navigation and surveillance and air traffic management services for safe and orderly aircraft movement.
• It installs and maintains navigational aids, communication equipment, beacons and other aeronautical facilities.
• It provides passenger amenities and facilities for cargo handling at airports.
• It may establish and manage heliports, undertake aviation-related training, and provide technical or consultancy services in India or abroad.
• It coordinates air-safety and search-and-rescue facilities with the authorities concerned and may levy prescribed fees and charges for its services and facilities.

Institutional significance

AAI combines the roles of an airport infrastructure operator and an air navigation service provider. Its operational role is distinct from statutory safety regulation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and economic regulation of designated major airports by the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority.