TBM Staff - Mumbai
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) increased its spending on repairs and maintenance for 101 airports by nearly 20% last financial year, reaching INR 796 crore, according to official data. Since the 2021-22 fiscal year, AAI’s expenses in this area have consistently risen. Specifically, the expenditure grew from INR 663.42 crore in 2022-23 to INR 795.72 crore in the financial year ending March 2024. In 2021-22, the amount spent was INR 535.02 crore, as per data provided by the civil aviation ministry to the Rajya Sabha.
The figures cover 121 AAI airports, with 20 of these airports incurring no expenses for repairs and maintenance. Concerns about airport maintenance were highlighted after the collapse of the forecourt canopy at Terminal 1D of Delhi airport during rains on June 28. Additionally, the kerb area canopy made of tensile fabric was torn at Jabalpur Airport on June 27 and at Rajkot Airport on June 29.
In a written response to the Rajya Sabha on July 29, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol stated that all airport operators have been instructed to conduct third-party audits of the structural stability of airport buildings and associated infrastructure. They are also required to thoroughly evaluate civil, electrical, and technical aspects of the buildings, including the design and workmanship of roof sheeting structures, before each monsoon season.
The construction of airports considers various factors in line with the National Building Codes. Additionally, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) inspects licensed airports’ airside infrastructure as part of its annual surveillance plan. AAI and public-private partnership (PPP) partners have planned a capital expenditure exceeding INR 91,000 crore from 2019-20 to 2024-25 for the development, upgradation, and modernisation of various airports.
