Airports Authority of India Plans ₹3,490 Crore Investment in Air Navigation Modernisation.

The state-owned Airports Authority of India (AAI) has earmarked ₹3,490 crore for the modernisation of air navigation infrastructure across the country, including ₹1,532 crore for automation of Air Traffic Management (ATM) systems at airports. AAI is the sole Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) in India.

Recently, Murlidhar Mohol, Minister of State for Civil Aviation, informed the Lok Sabha that the investment will be spread over 2026–2028 to upgrade Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance / ATM (CNS/ATM) infrastructure at multiple airports. The remaining funds will be allocated for modernisation of other CNS/ATM equipment.

The announcement comes after a November incident in which a glitch in the air traffic control system disrupted flight operations at Delhi airport.

Separately, AAI has issued a Request for Proposal to IIT Madras to act as a consultant to strengthen the cyber security framework for its Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) systems. The consultancy will include designing a cyber security architecture and assessing manpower requirements for cyber security functions across AAI.

The minister also highlighted ongoing recruitment efforts, noting that AAI filled 2,341 technical executive-level positions over the last three years to maintain operational safety and ensure continuity of services.