The Airports Authority of India (AAI) plays a crucial role in managing and developing the aviation infrastructure in India. It is responsible for creating, maintaining, and upgrading airport facilities to ensure efficient, safe, and secure air travel. AAI manages over 100 airports across the country, including international, domestic, and civil enclaves. Its responsibilities include providing air traffic management services, overseeing air navigation, and ensuring the operational readiness of airports.

AAI also focuses on enhancing passenger experience by developing modern amenities and services at airports. It implements infrastructure projects to expand capacity and improve the overall efficiency of airport operations. Additionally, AAI works towards achieving sustainability in airport operations by adopting eco-friendly practices and technologies.

Through its various initiatives, AAI aims to support economic growth, improve regional connectivity, and ensure that India's aviation sector remains competitive and aligned with global standards​.

Activities of the AAI

1. Airport Development and Maintenance: AAI is responsible for the construction, operation, and maintenance of airport infrastructure. This includes runways, taxiways, aprons, and passenger terminals. They ensure these facilities meet international standards and can handle the increasing passenger and cargo traffic.
2. Air Traffic Management: AAI provides air traffic management services, ensuring the safe and efficient movement of aircraft within Indian airspace. This involves managing air traffic control (ATC) towers, area control centers (ACCs), and flight information centers (FICs).
3. Implementation of Modern Technology: AAI continuously upgrades airport and air traffic management infrastructure with modern technology to enhance safety and efficiency. This includes the installation of advanced radar systems, communication equipment, and automated air traffic management systems.
4. Security Management: Ensuring airport security is a critical function of AAI. They collaborate with security agencies to implement stringent security measures, including passenger screening, baggage checks, and surveillance systems to prevent any threats to civil aviation.
5. Environmental Management: AAI implements various measures to reduce the environmental impact of airport operations. This includes noise monitoring, waste management, and energy-efficient practices to ensure sustainable development.
6. Passenger Services: Enhancing passenger experience is a significant focus for AAI. They ensure the provision of facilities such as lounges, restrooms, Wi-Fi, information counters, and other amenities to improve comfort and convenience for travelers.
7. Revenue Generation: AAI generates revenue through various streams, including airport service charges, cargo handling, retail concessions, and leasing of airport property. This revenue is crucial for funding further development and maintenance activities.
8. Training and Development: AAI conducts regular training programs for its staff to ensure they are well-equipped to handle various operational challenges. This includes training in air traffic control, airport management, safety protocols, and customer service.
9. Compliance and Safety Oversight: AAI ensures compliance with national and international aviation standards. They conduct regular safety audits and inspections of airport facilities and operations to maintain high safety standards.
10. Community Engagement: AAI engages with local communities around airports to address their concerns and involve them in developmental activities. This includes initiatives to support local employment and infrastructure development.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has undertaken numerous actions against airlines to enforce compliance with operational standards, safety protocols, and passenger service regulations.
 

1. IndiGo : Penalized for wrongfully offloading a differently-abled person. This action was part of broader enforcement of passenger rights​ (The Plunge Daily)​​ (100 Knots)​.
2. Air India : Fined for not compensating passengers for denied boarding. This highlighted AAI's commitment to ensuring airlines adhere to passenger compensation rules​ (100 Knots)​.
3. SpiceJet : Penalized for using a simulator with an unserviceable warning system for pilot training, ensuring compliance with training standards​ (100 Knots)​.
4. Vistara : Fined for non-compliance with route dispersal guidelines, demonstrating AAI's oversight of airline operations​ (100 Knots)​.
5. Go First : Penalized for non-adherence to breath analyzer checks, emphasizing AAI's focus on safety regulations​ (The Plunge Daily)​.
6. Bhavnagar Airport : AAI penalized itself for non-compliance with runway light requirements, showing its commitment to maintaining infrastructure standards​ (The Plunge Daily)​.
7. Non-Scheduled Operators : Fined for violations during Kedarnaath yatra operations, highlighting enforcement of flight operation standards in special scenarios​ (The Plunge Daily)​.
8. TAP Portugal : Alongside other global actions, AAI imposed fines related to passenger refund delays, part of a broader consumer protection effort​ (Transportation.gov)​.
9. Aeromexico : Penalized for similar refund issues, reinforcing the importance of passenger rights even with international carriers​ (Transportation.gov)​.
10. El Al : Fined for delays in refunding passengers, demonstrating AAI's alignment with global aviation standards in consumer protection​ (Transportation.gov)​.