The Airports Authority of India has planned a capital outlay of about Rs 3,490 crore between 2026 and 2028 to modernise air navigation infrastructure across airports, with a major push on technology-driven air traffic systems.
Of the total allocation, around Rs 1,532 crore has been earmarked for the automation of Air Traffic Management (ATM) systems. At the same time, the remaining funds will be used to upgrade Communication, Navigation and Surveillance/ATM (CNS/ATM) equipment nationwide. The update was shared in the Lok Sabha by Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, who noted that continuous upgrades are being undertaken to handle rising air traffic demand. AAI functions as the country’s sole air navigation service provider.
In a parallel move, AAI has issued an RFP to the Indian Institute of Technology Madras to act as a consultant for strengthening cybersecurity across airport OT and IT systems, including architecture planning and manpower assessment.
To support operational safety and service continuity, AAI has also recruited 2,341 executive-level technical personnel over the past three years.
