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The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has announced a major investment of INR 3,490 crore for upgrading air navigation systems at airports nationwide between 2026 and 2028. Around INR 1,532 crore is allocated for automating air traffic management systems, while the remaining funds will enhance other communication, navigation, and surveillance equipment. The move follows past operational disruptions and includes steps to strengthen cybersecurity, with IIT Madras engaged as a consultant. AAI has also been recruiting technical staff, adding 2,341 personnel over the past three years to maintain safety and efficiency.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is undertaking a large-scale modernisation of air navigation infrastructure across the country, with a capital outlay of INR 3,490 crore planned for 2026-2028. This includes INR 1,532 crore specifically for automating Air Traffic Management (ATM) systems to efficiently manage the growing volume of domestic and international flights. The remaining funds will upgrade Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS/ATM) equipment at various airports.
As the sole Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) in India, AAI is responsible for safe and seamless air traffic operations. These upgrades are aimed at improving operational efficiency and reducing the risk of disruptions like the air traffic control glitch at Delhi airport last year.
The authority has also prioritised cybersecurity by engaging IIT Madras to provide consultancy on operational and IT system security. This includes developing a cybersecurity architecture and assessing manpower requirements for the cybersecurity verticals within AAI.
In parallel, AAI continues to build technical capacity to support operational safety and continuity. Over the past three years, it has recruited 2,341 technical staff at the executive level, ensuring adequate manpower for maintaining the upgraded systems.
The modernisation plan reflects AAI's commitment to combining technological upgrades with skilled human resources. By automating systems and enhancing cybersecurity, the authority aims to handle future growth in air traffic while maintaining safe and uninterrupted operations across the country's airports.
Source PTI
FAQ
Q1. What is the total investment planned by AAI for air navigation modernisation?
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has announced a capital outlay of INR 3,490 crore for upgrading air navigation systems at airports nationwide between 2026 and 2028. The plan aims to enhance efficiency, safety, and capacity to handle increasing domestic and international air traffic.
Q2. How is the investment being allocated?
Of the total INR 3,490 crore, INR 1,532 crore is earmarked for automating Air Traffic Management (ATM) systems. The remaining funds will be used to upgrade Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS/ATM) equipment across various airports to ensure reliable and seamless operations.
Q3. Why is AAI modernising its air navigation infrastructure?
AAI, as India's sole Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP), is responsible for safe air traffic operations. The modernisation is intended to improve operational efficiency, reduce delays and risks from technical disruptions (like the air traffic control glitch at Delhi airport last year), and prepare for future growth in air traffic volumes.
Q4. How is cybersecurity being addressed in this plan?
AAI has engaged IIT Madras as a consultant to strengthen cybersecurity for both operational and IT systems. The consultancy includes developing a cybersecurity architecture and assessing manpower requirements for cybersecurity verticals, ensuring protection against digital threats to air navigation operations.
Q5. What steps are being taken to ensure sufficient manpower?
Over the past three years, AAI has recruited 2,341 technical staff at the executive level. This expansion in skilled personnel is designed to maintain and operate upgraded systems effectively, ensuring safety and continuity in air traffic management.
Q6. What is the expected impact of these upgrades?
The combination of automated systems, enhanced CNS/ATM equipment, strengthened cybersecurity, and trained technical staff is expected to improve efficiency, reduce disruptions, and support safe and uninterrupted operations across India's airports. The upgrades position AAI to handle future growth in air traffic and maintain high standards of operational safety.
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