AAI Allocates Rs 34,900 Million For Air Navigation Modernisation

17 Feb 2026 CW Team

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has allocated Rs 34,900 million (mn) for the modernisation of air navigation infrastructure across the country. The allocation forms part of an initiative to upgrade equipment and systems that support air traffic management at major and regional airports. The sum was disclosed by the government during a parliamentary reply that set out investments and staffing details for the current financial year.

The government reported that the sanctioned strength of air traffic controllers is 5,537 and that total vacancies of Air Traffic Controllers (ATCOs) amount to 1,279. To date in the current financial year, 4,320 ATC personnel have been trained at the seven operational training centres in the country, according to the ministerial response. A separate count indicated 2,645 vacancies across the Airports Authority of India and three aviation regulators, reflecting broader staffing challenges.

Deployment of ATCOs is undertaken by the Airports Authority of India in accordance with Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) civil aviation requirements (CAR) on Watch Duty Time Limitations (WDTL) and with reference to international norms and local air traffic volumes. The minister indicated that aviation safety is preserved through optimal utilisation of available manpower and adherence to extant norms and standards. The reply confirmed that no key operational units have been closed owing to manpower shortage.

Officials presented the figures within the context of India being one of the world’s fastest growing civil aviation markets and emphasised ongoing training and infrastructure modernisation to meet expanding demand. The allocation for modernisation is intended to strengthen safety margins and operational efficiency as traffic volumes rise. The government said it will continue to monitor staffing and infrastructure progress to support safe, efficient air transport.

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