REPORT NO.

297
_

PARLIAMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA

DEPARTMENT-RELATED PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE

ON TRANSPORT, TOURISM AND CULTURE

TWO HUNDRED NINETY SEVENTH REPORT

Functioning of Airports Authority of India

(Presented to the Rajya Sabha on 2nd August, 2021)
(Laid on the Table of Lok Sabha on 2nd August, 2021)

Rajya Sabha Secretariat, New Delhi

August, 2021/ Sravana, 1943 (Saka)
Website : https://rajyasabha.nic.in
E-mail : [email protected]
 PARLIAMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA

DEPARTMENT-RELATED PARLIAMENTARY
STANDING COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT,
TOURISM AND CULTURE

TWO HUNDRED NINETY SEVENTH REPORT

Functioning of Airports Authority of India

(Presented to the Rajya Sabha on 2nd August, 2021)
(Laid on the Table of Lok Sabha on 2nd August, 2021)

RAJYA SABHA SECRETARIAT

NEW DELHI

August, 2021/ Sravana, 1943 (Saka)

 CONTENTS

P A GE S

1. COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE (i)-(iii)

2. INTRODUCTION (iv)
3. ACRONYMS (v)-(ix)
4. REPORT 1-43
5. RECOMMENDATIONS/OBSERVATIONS-AT A GLANCE 44-57
6. *MINUTES

______________________________________

*To be appended
 COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE

(2019-20)
(Constituted on 13th September, 2019)

1. Shri T.G. Venkatesh - Chairman

Rajya Sabha

2. Shri Prasanna Acharya

3. Shri Raj Babbar
4. Shri Sambhaji Chhatrapati
5. Dr. Sonal Mansingh
6. Shri Derek O’Brien
7. *Kumari Selja
8. **Shri Tiruchi Siva
9. ***Shri K.C.Venugopal
9. Shri Dharmapuri Srinivas
10. Shri Vinay Dinu Tendulkar

Lok Sabha

11. Shrimati Sumalatha Ambareesh

12. Shri Anto Antony
13. Shrimati Veena Devi
14. Shri Tapir Gao
15. Shri Rahul Kaswan
16. Shri Saumitra Khan
17. Ms. Goddeti Madhavi
18. Shri Ramesh Chandra Majhi
19. Shri Sunil Baburao Mendhe
20. Shri K. Muraleedharan
21. Shri S.S. Palanimanickam
22. Shri Chhedi Paswan
23. Shri Kamlesh Paswan
24. Shri Tirath Singh Rawat
25. Shrimati Mala Roy
26. Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy
27. Shri Rajbahadur Singh
28. Shri Dushyant Singh
29. Shri Ramdas Chandrabhanji Tadas
30. Shri Krupal Balaji Tumane
31. Shri Dinesh Chandra Yadav

_________________________________________________________
*Kumari Selja ceased to be Member w.e.f. 10th April, 2020
**Shri Tiruchi Siva ceased to be Member w.e.f. 3rd April, 2020 and re-nominated as Member w.e.f. 22nd
July, 2020
***Shri K.C. Venugopal nominated as Member w.e.f. 22nd July, 2020

(i)
 COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE
(2020-21)
(Constituted on 13th September, 2020)

1. Shri T.G. Venkatesh - Chairman

Rajya Sabha

2. Shri Prasanna Acharya

3. *Shri Raj Babbar
4. Shri Sambhaji Chhatrapati
5. Dr. Sonal Mansingh
6. Shri Derek O’Brien
7. Shri Tiruchi Siva
8. Shri Dharmapuri Srinivas
9. Shri Vinay Dinu Tendulkar
10. Shri K.C.Venugopal
11. **Shri Sushil Kumar Modi

Lok Sabha
12. Shri Anto Antony
13. Shri Margani Bharat
14. Shri Tapir Gao
15. Shri Rahul Kaswan
16. Shri Ramesh Chandra Majhi
17. Shri Sunil Baburao Mendhe
18. Shri K. Muraleedharan
19. Shri S.S. Palanimanickam
20. Shri Chhedi Paswan
21. Shri Kamlesh Paswan
22. Shri Sunil Kumar Pintu
23. Shri Prince Raj
24. Shri Tirath Singh Rawat
25. Shrimati Mala Roy
26. Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy
27. Shri Dushyant Singh
28. Shri Rajbahadur Singh
29. Shri Ramdas Chandrabhanji Tadas
30. Shri Manoj Tiwari
31. Shri Krupal Balaji Tumane
32. Shri Dinesh Chandra Yadav

________________________________________________________

*Shri Raj Babbar ceased to be a Member w.e.f. 25th November, 2020

**Shri Sushil Kumar Modi was nominated to be a Member w.e.f. 23rd December, 2020

(ii)
SECRETARIAT
Dr. Shikha Darbari, Joint Secretary & Financial Advisor
Shri P. Narayanan, Director
Shri Dinesh Singh, Additional Director
Shri Rajendra Prasad Shukla, Additional Director
Ms. Catherine John L., Under Secretary

(iii)
 INTRODUCTION

I, the Chairman, Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport,

Tourism and Culture, having been authorized by the Committee to present on its behalf, do
hereby present this Two Hundred Ninety Seventh Report on ‘Functioning of Airports
Authority of India'.

2. The Committee heard the views of the Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation; Director
General, DGCA; Joint Director General, BCAS; CMD, Air India Ltd.; Chairman, Airports
Authority of India; Director General, Aircrafts Accident Investigation Bureau; and Chief
Commissioner of Railway Safety, Commission of Railway Safety on the subject on 30th
December, 2020. The Committee heard the views of the Secretary, Ministry of Civil
Aviation; Director General, DGCA; Joint Director General, BCAS; CMD, Air India Ltd.;
CMD, Pawan Hans Ltd.; Chairman, Airports Authority of India; Chairman, Airports
Economic Regulatory Authority of India; Director General, Aircrafts Accident Investigation
Bureau; Director, Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademy; and Chief Commissioner of
Railway Safety, Commission of Railway Safety on the subject on 28th July, 2021.
3. The Committee wishes to express its thanks to the officers of Ministry of Civil
Aviation; DGCA; BCAS; Airports Authority of India; Air India Limited; Pawan Hans Ltd.;
Aircrafts Accident Investigation Bureau; Commission of Railway Safety; and other
stakeholders for placing before the Committee, the material and information desired in
connection with the subject and for clarifying the points raised by the Members.

4. The Committee considered and adopted the Report in its meeting held on the 30th
July, 2021.

(T.G. Venkatesh)
NEW DELHI; Chairman,
July 30, 2021 Department-related Parliamentary Standing
Sravana 8, 1943 (Saka) Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture,
Rajya Sabha

(iv)
 ACRONYMS

AAI : Airports Authority of India

AAICLAS : AAI Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company Limited

ACA : Airport Carbon Accreditation

ACDM : Airport Collaborative Decision Making

ACDM : Airport Collaboration Decision Making

ACI : Airports Council International

ACI-ACA : Airports Council International -Airport Carbon Accreditation

ADS-B : Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast

AEL : Adani Enterprises Limited

ANS : Air Navigation Services

AOCC : Airports Operations Control Centre

APV : Approach With Vertical Guidance

ATCOS : Air Traffic Controllers

ATM : Air Traffic Management

ATO : Approved Training Organizations

ATS : Air Traffic Services

ATSTO : Air Traffic Services Training Organization

BCAS : Bureau of Civil Aviation Security

CAPEX : CAPital EXpenditure

CAR : Civil Aviation Requirements

CARO : Civil Aviation Research Organization

CAT : Category or Clear Air Turbulence

CATC : Civil Aviation Training College

C-ATFM : Central - Air Traffic Flow Management

CBI : Central Bureau Of Investigation

(v)
CDR : Conditional Routes

CFI : Chief Flying Instructors

CHQ : Corporate Headquarter

CISF : Central Industrial Security Force

CMD : Chairman and Managing Director

CNS/ATM : Communications, Navigation and Surveillance Systems for Air Traffic

Management

COVID : Corona Virus Disease

CPI : Consumer Price Index

CSMIA : Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport

CSR : Corporate Social Responsibility

CUTE : Common User Terminal Exchange

CVC : Central Vigilance Commission

CVD : Corporate Vigilance Department

DCS : Departure Control System

DCVO : Dy.Chief Vigilance Officer

DEPWD : Department of Empowerment of Persons With Disabilities

DGCA : Directorate General of Civil Aviation

DGR : Dangerous Goods Regulations

DIAL : Delhi International Airport Limited

EESL : Energy Efficiency Services Limited

FAQS : Frequently Asked Questions

FDI : Foreign Direct Investment

FI : Flying Instructors

FIDS : Flight Information Display System

FRT : Facial Recognition Technology

(vi)
FSTC : Fire Service Training Centre

FTC : Fire Training Centre

FTO : Flying Training Organizations

FUA : Flexible Use of Airspace

FY : Financial Year

GAGAN : GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation

GHG : Green House Gases

GOMH : Govt. of Maharashtra

GOUP : Govt. of Uttar Pradesh

GST : Goods & Service Tax

HHMD : Hand Held Metal Detector

HTC : Hyderabad Training Centre

IAF : Indian Air Force

ICAO : International Civil Aviation Organization

IGIA : Indira Gandhi International Airport

ILS : Instrument Landing System

IOS : iPhone Operating System

ISDP : Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme.

ISRO : Indian Space Research Organization

LCCS : Low-Cost Carriers

LED : Light Emitting Diode

MADC : Maharashtra Airport Development Company

MAFI : Modernization of Military Airfields

MHA : Ministry of Home Affairs

MIAL : Mumbai International Airport Pvt. Ltd.

MOCA : Ministry of Civil Aviation

(vii)
MOH&FW : Ministry of Health & Family Welfare

MoU : Mamoranda of Understanding

MRO : Maintenance, Repair And Overhaul

MSSR : Monopulse Secondary Surveillance Radar

NAPCC : National Action Plan For Climate Change

NCAP : National Civil Aviation Policy

NFTI : National Flying Training Institute

NIATAM : National Institute Of Aviation Training And Management

NPA : Non- Precision Approach

NVVN : NTPC Vidhyut Vyapar Nigam

OMD : Operation, Management & Development

OMDA : Operations, Management and Development Agreement

OPA : Operational Performance Assessment

OTC : Overtime Compensation

PAPI : Precision Approach Path Indicator

PAX : Passengers

PBN : Performance Based Navigation

PPF : Per Passenger Fee

PPP : Public Private Partnership

PSUS : Public Sector Units

PV : Photo Voltaic

R&D : Research & Development

RCS : Regional Connectivity Scheme

RETS : Rapid Exit Taxiways

RFP : Request For Proposal

RNAV : Area Navigation

(viii)
RNP : Required Navigation Performance

RWYS : Runway

SBAS : Satellite-Based Augmentation System

SHA : Security Hold Area

SHA : Security Hold Area

SID : Standard Instrument Departures

SOP : Standard Operating Procedure

SOPS : Standard Operating Procedures

STAR : Standard Terminal Arrivals

STP : Standardized Training Package

T1 : Terminal-1

TEC : Transshipment Excellence Centre

TRA : Temporary Reserved Airspace

UDAN : Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik

UJALA : Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LED for All

UV : Ultra-Violet

VAW : Vigilance Awareness Week

VFR to IFR : Visual Flight Rules to Instrument Flight Rules

(ix)
 REPORT
Airports Authority of India (AAI) came into existence on 1 st April, 1995. AAI has been
constituted as a statutory authority under the Airports Authority of India Act, 1994. It has been
created by merging the erstwhile International Airports Authority of India and National Airports
Authority with a view to accelerate the integrated development, expansion and modernization of
the air traffic services, passenger terminals, operational areas and cargo facilities at the airports
in the country. AAI operates and maintains 136 airports including 30 Civil Enclaves at Defence
airfields in the country. Out of the above 136 airports, 110 airports are operational, out of which
24 are AAI International airports including 3 International Civil Enclaves; 10 are AAI Customs
airports including 4 Customs Civil Enclaves; and 76 are AAI Domestic (Operational) airports,
including 21 Domestic (Operational) Civil Enclaves.
2. Keeping in view the tremendous growth registered in the Civil Aviation sector in the past
few years and the vital role played by AAI in creating a conducive atmosphere for such growth,
the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture
decided to take up the subject ‘Functioning of Airports Authority of India’ for examination and
Report.
3. The Committee heard the views of the Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation; Director
General, DGCA; Joint Director General, BCAS; CMD, Air India Ltd.; Chairman, Airports
Authority of India; Director General, Aircrafts Accident Investigation Bureau; and Chief
Commissioner of Railway Safety on the subject on 30th December, 2020. The Committee heard
the views of the Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation; Director General, DGCA; Joint Director
General, BCAS; CMD, Air India Ltd.; CMD, Pawan Hans Limited; Chairman, Airports
Economic Regulatory Authority of India; Chairman, Airports Authority of India; Director
General, Aircrafts Accident Investigation Bureau; and Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety on
the subject on 28th July, 2021. A Questionnaire on the subject was sent to all the private airlines
and Unions of AAI and written replies were obtained. Delhi International Airport Limited
(DIAL) submitted their written views on the subject.
4. The main functions of AAI are as under:-
 Control and management of the Indian air space (excluding special user air space)
extending beyond the territorial limits of the country as accepted by ICAO.
 Provision of Communication, Navigational and Surveillance Aids.

1
  Expansion and strengthening of operational areas viz., Runways, Aprons, Taxiways, etc.
and provision of ground-based landing and movement control aids for aircrafts &
vehicular traffic in operational area.
 Design, development, operation and maintenance of passenger terminals.
 Development and management of cargo terminals at international and domestic airports.
 Provision of passenger facilities and information systems in the passenger terminals.
Mission
5. “To be the FOUNDATION of an enduring Indian aviation network, providing high
quality, safe and customer-oriented airport and air navigation services, thereby acting as a
catalyst for economic growth in the areas we serve”.
Vision
6. AAI’s vision till 2026 is:
 To be the pre-eminent Air Navigation Service provider with Global Recognition;
 To adopt state of art technology to drive safe navigation in the Indian airspace;
 To maintain highest standards of excellence in providing modern, sustainable and robust
airport infrastructure;
 Support improving air connectivity at unserved and under-served airports;
 Have an effective organization equipped to face the emerging challenges from the
exponential air traffic growth;
 Focus on profitable operations at Major airports through continuing efforts on cost
reduction and enhancing non-aeronautical revenue.
Corporate Social Responsibility
7. AAI aims to achieve, consolidate and strengthen good corporate governance including
socially and environmentally responsible business practices that balance financial profit with
social well-being. AAI’s approach for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has been to bring
empowerment opportunities for the underprivileged communities near its airports in order to
create an environment of inclusive growth.
7.1. In addition to recommending identified CSR programs for approval, AAI also manages
the CSR programs and reports to the Board and CSR Committee for the updates on approved
CSR programs.

2
8. Some of the major points discussed during the deliberations of the Committee and the
recommendations of the Committee thereon, are as follows:
Air Traffic Services
9. With regard to the steps taken by Airports Authority of India for the expansion and
modernization of the air traffic services, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has stated that AAI is
responsible for providing Air Navigation Services (ANS) over the Indian airspace and the Indian
Ocean region covering around 9.6 million sq. km. The Indian air space is nearly thrice of India's
land area of 3.3 million sq. km.
9.1. AAI's coverage for provision of Air Navigation Services includes all civilian airports in
India including:
 Joint venture airports (e.g., Delhi, Mumbai, Nagpur)
 Public airports
 Greenfield airports (e.g., Bengaluru, Shamshabad, Cochin, etc.)
 State Government airports (e.g., Lengpui), and
 Private airports (e.g., Mundra, Durgapur etc.).
a. The National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP-2016) envisaged that AAI will provide a fully
harmonized Air Navigation System considering ICAO’s Global Air Navigation Plan,
Aviation system Block Upgrade, Modern performance-based technologies and
procedures.
b. Indian Air Navigation Service is on the crossroads of modernization of aviation
infrastructure. There is constant upgradation of existing systems along with introduction
of state-of-the art technologies. The AAI air navigation system master plan envisaged
significant investments in modernization of airport infrastructure, upgradation of
Communication Navigation Surveillance (CNS), Air Traffic Management and
Meteorological Equipment, enhancing manpower and training infrastructure and
harmonization with global initiatives and regional air navigation plans.
c. AAI has undertaken steps for upgrading its Communication Navigation Surveillance
(CNS) and Air Traffic Management (ATM) infrastructure. AAI has implemented
integrated ATM automation systems at 44 airports, 13 MSSR Radars, 32 Terminal
Radars, 32 ADS-B ground stations and Airport Surveillance Guidance Systems at 11

3
 airports across India. AAI is aggressively pursuing upgradation of CNS infrastructure in a
phased manner.
d. The implementation of Performance Based Navigation (PBN) in India commenced in
2007 to achieve enhancements in air capacity, efficiency and safety. PBN-based RNAV-1
Standard Instrument Departures (SID) and Standard Terminal Arrivals (STAR)
procedures are being implemented at all operational airports in a phased manner.
e. The GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) - a joint project of AAI and
Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), is a Satellite Based Augmentation
System. It makes India as one of only four regions to have an operational Satellite-Based
Augmentation System (SBAS). GAGAN was developed by AAI and ISRO to provide
enhanced navigation capabilities including RNP 0.1 and APV 1 services for en-route,
terminal area, and Non-Precision Approach (NPA) operations. GAGAN is the first
system developed in Equatorial Region making India the leader in Asia Pacific Region
and is operational since May 2015. GAGAN covers a very large areas airspace hitherto
unserved by conventional technology. GAGAN is expected to minimize the occurrence
of flight delays, diversions, and cancellations, and reduce the controlled flight into terrain
incidents by almost 75 percent.
f. As part of ‘AtmaNirbhar Bharat’, IAF has agreed to release some of the reserved portions
of airspace for civilian use, helping the aircraft to avoid circuitous route. The potential
savings to the airlines will be to the tune of Rs.1000 crores per annum. The overall
benefit to the aviation ecosystem will be potentially much higher.
g. In January 2017, AAI launched the C-ATFM (Central Air Traffic Flow Management)
System and formally dedicated the Central Command Centre at the New Air Traffic
Services Complex, thereby becoming the 7th country in the world to implement the Air
Traffic Flow Control Measures across the country. The C-ATFM system is primarily
meant to address the balancing of capacity against the demand to achieve optimum
utilization of major resources, viz., airport capacity, airspace and aircraft at every Indian
airport facing a capacity constraint. The introduction of C-ATFM has enhanced safety,
fuel saving and on-time performance of airlines.
h. AAI in house team has developed and implemented Airport Collaborative Decision
Making (ACDM) system at Mumbai Airport in 2016. Subsequently, ACDM has been

4
 implemented in Chennai, Kolkata, Trivandrum, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Guwahati
airports by AAI.
i. Air Navigation Services (ANS) require continues investment in human capital. ANS
personnel not only have to be recruited, they should be constantly trained and retained.
AAI ANS’ training institutes, viz., CATC Allahabad, Training Centres at Hyderabad and
Gondia which are also Approved Training Organizations (ATO), are being developed
into a world-class training centre for ANS professionals for the Indian and global market
with modern training facilities.
j. AAI has established a Civil Aviation Research Organization (CARO) at Hyderabad to
indigenously develop R&D capability in ATM. CARO is planned to address Aviation
Infrastructure and ATM challenges.
9.2. The Committee understands that improvements in Air Navigation Services benefit the
Civil Aviation sector by ensuring safety, operational efficiency, fuel saving, carbon emission
reduction and cost effectiveness of aircraft operations.
9.3. The Committee is of the considered opinion that keeping in view the exponential air
traffic growth witnessed in the country in the past few years, it is essential that best
international practices as regards the Air Navigation Services are adopted and
implemented in the country. The Committee strongly feels that a futuristic Master Plan for
Air Navigation Services is inevitable so that substantial benefits are accrued to all the
stakeholders. The Committee emphasizes the need to ensure strict adherence to the
international standards of safety and security. The Committee recommends that the
Ministry should ensure that steps should be taken to upgrade the ANS facilities and
procedures and to give due emphasis on research, development and training.
9.4. The Committee takes note of the issues faced, relating to landing/take off of flights
during foggy weather and when runway visibility is poor. The Committee recognizes the urgent
need for the upgradation of air navigation infrastructure in India and to provide the latest modern
technology, to keep pace with the international standards.
9.5. The Committee is disturbed to note that considerable delay in flight operations and
cancellation of flights occur at various airports, due to non-availability of CAT-II or CAT-
III facility. The Committee takes serious note of the inconvenience and delays faced by the
flyers and international & domestic tourists, due to the dearth of requisite navigation

5
technology at the airports. The Committee fails to understand the reason behind non-
installation of CAT-II/ CAT-III facilities in all airports in the country, in the present age of
modern technology. The Committee recommends that the Ministry should ensure that the
upgration of air navigation infrastructure in the country should be given utmost priority
and that the navigation facilities should be kept in line with international standards.
9.6. The Committee emphasizes the imminent need to employ modern technologically
advanced navigation aids and facilities at all airports in the country. The Ministry should
urgently chalk out an Action Plan to operate CAT-II/III(B) ILS in all airports, in a fixed
time bound manner.
9.7. The Committee hopes that Modernization of Military Airfields (MAFI) project
which is a turn key project, would enhance the operational capability, by facilitating air
operations of civilian aircrafts, even in poor visibility and adverse weather conditions,
while enhancing aerospace safety. The Committee observes that MAFI project of the
Indian Air Force should decide and cull out those activities which are primarily
navigational equipment including approach landing systems, PAPI runway lights,
threshold lights, instruments and equipment etc., where AAI/ATS have a unique
advantage, as they have been handling these systems across the country, for over seven
decades. Domestic civil aviation safety is the primary responsibility of the Ministry of Civil
Aviation, DGCA and AAI. The utilization of these navigational aids/approach landing
systems/equipment etc., which have been installed across the country, is primarily done by
the AAI, which has domain knowledge. They are also familiar with the quality
procurement processes, maintenance and operational requirements of these instruments
which they have been using for Civil operations for over fifty years. The Committee
recommends that a High Level Committee may be created with the Indian Air Force to
cull out those activities related to navigation and landing facilities which are, primarily, in
the domain knowledge, with the AAI for Civil operations. The Committee recommends
that apart from this, the development of the rest of the infrastructure planned under the
MAFI scheme may continue as envisaged, for a greater synergy between civil aviation
requirements and operational requirements of Indian Air Force.
9.8. The Committee takes note that apart from the MAFI initiative of the Indian Air Force, the
number of Civil Enclaves across the country have several issues including exchange of land both

6
by the Central Government and State Government and other issues as well. The Civil Enclaves
which are carved out of a Defence Aerodrome have several administrative, technical and
operational issues which should be examined and a High Powered Committee should be
constituted to sort out the issues with the Ministry of Defence in general and Air Force in
particular. The Committee recommends that a High Powered Committee should be
constituted both for flexi air space management and issues related to Civil Enclaves to
address these issues comprehensively.
Development, Upgradation and Modernization of Airports
10. The Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation while deposing before the Committee, stated
that:
“…….the Airports Authority of India has earmarked a sum of
about Rs.25,000 crores for a period of five years, from 2019 to
2024, under which we will be operationalising about 100 more
airports, heliports and water dromes…”
10.1. In respect of the number of airports taken up for development, upgradation and
modernization by AAI, it has been stated by the Ministry, in its written reply, that the expansion
and development of infrastructure facilities at the airports is a continuous process and is
undertaken on the operational requirements for safety of aircraft operation and demand from
airlines, depending upon availability of land and viability, as well as other facilities with
reference to intended aircraft operations. At present, major works are in progress and planning
stage at around 66 Airports.
10.2. AAI is planning for expansion of airports which do not have facilities for landing of
wider body aircrafts since modernization and development of infrastructure facilities at the
airports is a continuous process and is undertaken on the operational requirements for safety of
aircraft operation and demand from airlines. Development works are taken up in a phased
manner depending upon availability of land and viability, as well as other facilities with
reference to intended aircraft operations.
10.3. Regarding the extent of investment requirements for airport infrastructure and in cargo
terminals, the Ministry has submitted that the budget outlay for the period 2019-20 to 2023-24 is
Rs. 25,000 crores for AAI airports. The investment requirement for construction and
operationalization of Air Cargo Terminal depends on its size/capacity, Geographical location,

7
extent of mechanization and provisioning of the facilities for handling of varied nature of Cargo.
However, an investment of 12 to 14 crores (approx.) is required for construction and
operationalization of an Integrated Air Cargo Terminal of 6500 sqm(approx.) with facility to
handle valuable, perishable, hazardous cargo (excluding land cost).
10.4. The civil aviation industry in India has emerged as one of the fastest growing industries
in the country. The Committee understands that rising working group and widening middle class
demography has given rise to a huge boost in demand for air travel. This, in turn, has resulted in
air traffic congestion. The Committee understands that the rapid growth in passenger traffic has
put enormous pressure on the existing airport infrastructure. The Committee recognizes the
urgent need to provide adequate airport infrastructure in the country since at present, large
airports are becoming slot constrained and smaller airports are facing terminal congestion issues.
10.5. The Committee understands that AAI manages slots and night parking stand allocations
at airports across India, except at airports owned or managed by private entities. The Committee
takes note of the concerns raised by private airlines regarding capacity constraints faced in most
of the larger airports in India, in terms of runway movement, parking stands and terminal
capacity. The private airlines have also highlighted the issues existing in smaller airports such as
watch hour restrictions, manpower issues and viable transportation for passengers.
10.6. Airports play a vital role in the economic growth of the country since they open the
doors for tourism and trade. Despite India being the world’s fastest growing aviation
market, its airports are grappling with serious capacity constraints because such a quick
pace of growth in the aviation sector has resulted in a strain on the aviation infrastructure,
resulting in traffic congestions and delays at many of the airports. If a high growth rate in
civil aviation sector is to be sustained, it is imperative that urgent steps should be taken to
augment and modernize India’s aviation infrastructure.
10.7. The Committee underscores the fact that our airports should be developed in such a
way that they emerge as symbols of national pride. The Committee highlights the urgent
need to successfully manage the demand vs. traffic capacity of airports. The Committee
urges upon the Ministry to develop a comprehensive, strategic and futuristic Master Plan
for implementation of projects to provide world class airport infrastructure, by bringing in
cutting edge technology and the global best practices of the aviation industry. The
Committee desires that the Ministry should address not only the existing capacity

8
constraints in various airports, but also address infrastructural requirements in the context
of growth scenario forecast for the next decade. The Committee emphasizes the need for
the removal of the existing bottlenecks in order to enable the aviation infrastructure to
keep up with the growing demand in the Civil Aviation sector. Further, it should be strictly
ensured that the development/upgradation of airport projects are completed as per the
prescribed timelines.
10.8. The Committee underlines the need for a well chalked out Master Plan with regard
to aviation infrastructure, in order to ensure that the requirements of the growth in the
civil aviation sector are properly catered to. The Committee urges the Ministry to ensure
that adequate parking space and landing slots are available at the airports.
10.9. The Committee notes that potential growth in the passenger and cargo traffic would
require enormous investments in terms of construction of new airports and expansion &
modernization of existing airports. The Committee understands that lenders are cautious
about issuing long-term debt to airport operators. The Committee, therefore, would like
the Ministry to formulate necessary policies, schemes and guidelines, to attract the
requisite investment for airport projects.
10.10. The Committee desires that the Ministry should ensure that amenities which match
up to international standards are available at all the airports and that periodic
maintenance is carried out efficiently. The Committee recommends that the Ministry
should ensure sufficient space for commercial shops, while granting approval for new
airports. The Committee recommends that the Ministry should consider mandatorily
earmarking minimum 100 acres of land, while making plans for future airports. Further, 5
Star/3 Star hotels and multiplexes should be constructed near the new airports. The
Committee also desires that extra land, if any, that has been allocated for the airports
should not be sold and should be kept for future aviation developmental activities.
10.11. The Committee takes cognizance of the fact that there is a need to look at the entire
mechanism of development of airports and the way the airport concessions are given. At
present, the rights to operate airports are given to individuals or entities who bid the
highest with the Airports Authority of India. When those services are given to the highest
bidder, the highest bidder charges the highest amount of money from the airlines, which
has little or no bearing on the actual cost of the service. The Committee, therefore,

9
recommends that the Ministry should seriously look into these issues and take urgent steps
to ensure that such anomalies are rectified.
10.12. The Committee has been given to understand that large number of institutional
clearances are required for airport projects, which leads to delays and cost escalation.
Therefore, the Committee recommends in this regard that the Ministry should set up a
single-window clearance mechanism in order to facilitate timely grant of institutional
clearances for airport projects and ensure completion of such projects within the stipulated
time period.
Privatization of Airports
11. The Ministry, in its written reply, has stated that privatization of airports was initiated
since the increase in domestic and international air travels in India and strong Traffic growth in
the past resulted in congestion at many of AAI airports. The PPP in airport infrastructure projects
has brought efficiency in service delivery, expertise, enterprise and professionalism, apart from
bringing the needed investments in the sector. PPP model in airports sector has been a success
story and the model has emerged as an effective way to harness the strengths of the private sector
in the airport sector. One of the gains of PPP is that government is no longer required to spend
huge resources in building airport facilities and with proper regulations and good concession
agreement, it has already been established that the private sector could provide better airport
management than the public sector.
11.1. Further, international operators and investors prefer brownfield airport expansion
opportunities with having more than 3-4 million passenger capacity. At a point where there is
pressure on the India’s current account deficit and the Indian currency is under pressure,
attracting long-term capital in the form of foreign direct investment (FDI) is a key imperative.
The airport sector may provide an immediate opportunity through the adoption of PPP approach.
In view of the growing need for modernization and efficient operation of airports, Public Private
Partnership (PPP) models are increasingly being used to involve the private sector in the
development and operation of airports.
11.2. Prime examples of PPP in Indian aviation are new and redeveloped metro airports in the
past decade. The largest of these are the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), New Delhi
and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), Mumbai. Bangalore,

10
Hyderabad, Cochin & Kannur are other Greenfield Airports which are being managed under the
PPP model.
11.3. With an objective to build world class airports in the country, Airports Authority of India
(AAI), in 2006, leased out the Delhi and Mumbai Airports under PPP model for operation,
management and development of the airports on a revenue share basis. The partner was selected
through Global competitive bidding. AAI signed OMDA with Delhi International Airport Pvt.
Ltd. (DIAL) for Delhi airport and with M/s Mumbai International Airport Pvt. Ltd. (MIAL) for
Mumbai airport. AAI retained 26% equity in these airports. The PPP partners incurred an
expenditure of more than Rs. 25000 cr. in upgradation and modernization of Delhi and Mumbai
airports in first phase and in the second phase, an capital expenditure of more than Rs10000 Cr.
has been planned. AAI receives revenue share from DIAL @45.99% of its annual Gross
Revenue and from MIAL @38.7% of its annual Gross Revenue.
11.4. Government of India has also entered into Concession Agreements with the respective
PPP Partners of Bangalore and Hyderabad airports and therefore, receives Concession Fee from
them @4% for their annual Gross Revenue. Cochin International Airport is a State Government
of Kerala promoted airport wherein MoCA/AAI have no pecuniary interest.
11.5. AAI has recently, awarded six of its airports viz., Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow,
Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram and Mangaluru for Operations, Management and Development
to the highest bidder i.e. M/s Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL) under Public Private Partnership
(PPP) mode for a lease period of 50 years. The above six airports have been awarded on the
basis of Per Passenger Fee (PPF) payable to AAI by the Concessionaire. The PPF quoted by the
highest bidder will increase year to year as it is indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). In
addition to this, AAI will get back their investment in these six airports to the tune of Rs.
2299.26 Cr. as upfront payment, which can be used for development of Airport infrastructure by
AAl at Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
11.6. In response to a query of the Committee regarding how many airports are going to be
privatized in the near future, the Ministry has stated that the AAI Board on 05.09.2019 has
recommended proposal for undertaking Operations, Management and Development through PPP
of 06 airports viz., Trichy, Bhubaneswar, Indore, Varanasi, Raipur and Amritsar. A decision has
been taken to club a main airport with a smaller airport for the PPP in next phase. A uniform

11
tariff will be fixed for both the airports and two airports will be treated as one for tariff
determination. AAI is in the process of finalizing the modalities for way forward.
11.7. As regards the financial outcome of the privatization of airports till date, the Ministry has
stated that so far, PPP model has been introduced at eight airports of AAI viz., Delhi, Mumbai,
Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Jaipur, Guwahati and Thiruvananthapuram. Delhi and
Mumbai airports were brought under PPP in 2006 under Revenue Share arrangement which has
significantly contributed to the Revenue of AAI resulting into financial stability of AAI and
enhanced focus on the development/upgradation of airports in backward regions. DIAL has
alone paid total amount of Rs. 16,566.3 crores as revenue share to AAI till 31 st March, 2019.
Through the PPP partners at Delhi and Mumbai, AAI could mobilise an investment of about Rs.
24,000 crores on one hand and on the other hand, AAI spent about Rs. 12,000 crores to develop
about 60 airports in metro, non-metro and other town/cities.
11.8. Besides, AAI has leased out six airports viz., Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Jaipur, Guwahati,
Mangalore and Thiruvananthapuram for Operation, Management & Development (OMD)
through PPP mode 'Per Passenger Fee' basis payable to AAI. The PPF offered by the winning
bidder will yield a profit of Rs 904.14 crores for the year 2020-21. Further per passenger fee will
be indexed to the CPI. As a result, besides protecting the profitability of AAI as on date, the
profitability goes on increasing year after year.
11.9. In addition to this, AAI will get back its investment in these six airports to the tune of Rs
2299.26 crores as upfront payment, which can be used for development of airport infrastructure
by AAI at Tier II and Tier III cities. Therefore, the private investor has offered almost double the
profit being earned by AAI today which will increase every year based on inflation index.
Hence, there is a tangible gain to the AAI by leasing these airports to the winning bidder.
11.10. The Committee realizes the huge demand for more airports in the country. The
Committee recognizes the fact that it is not feasible for AAI to meet the investment
requirements to develop and maintain all the airports in the country. The Committee
appreciates the inevitable need for Public Private Partnership in the development and
maintenance of airports. The Committee endorses the provisions proposed in the Airports
Economic Regulatory Authority of India (Amendment) Bill, 2021 which would facilitate the
development of both high traffic volume and low traffic volume airports together, in a
holistic manner.

12
11.11. The Committee emphasizes the need to ensure absolute transparency in all PPP
airport projects. The Committee desires that the Ministry should ensure that a proper
policy and regulatory framework governing the PPP airport projects, is put in place. The
Committee underlines the need to ensure a proper auditing mechanism with regard to PPP
projects. The Committee strongly recommends that the Ministry should ensure that the
airport charges on the passengers are equitable and commensurate with the operational
costs.
11.12. The Committee desires that the Ministry should ensure that the career interests of
the employees of AAI are protected in case of privatization of airports.
UDAN Scheme
12. As regards the vision of the Prime Minister to open 100 new airports in the country, the
Ministry has stated that 100 airports/ heliports/ water aerodromes are to be developed by 2024 to
support UDAN scheme. 09 airports have been developed in the year 2019-20.26 airports are to
be developed in the FY 2020-21(out of which 14 Airports have been developed till the third
quarter). Further, 20 airports each are to be developed in FY 2021-22 and FY 2022-23 and 25
airports to be developed in the FY 2023-24.
12.1. Regarding the parameters adopted for identifying airports under the UDAN Scheme,
Ministry of Civil Aviation has stated that it has launched Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) -
UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) on 21-10-2016 to stimulate regional air connectivity and
making air travel affordable to the masses. RCS -UDAN is market driven scheme. The interested
airlines, based on their assessment of demand on particular routes, submit their proposals at the
time of bidding under RCS -UDAN. An airport which is included in the awarded routes of RCS -
UDAN and requires upgradation/development for commencement of RCS operations, is
developed under "Revival of unserved and underserved airports" scheme.
12.2. The Committee takes note of the growing demand for regional air services, which
would make it possible for our country to emerge as a major player in the aviation
industry. The Committee feels that UDAN Scheme will help in relieving the congestion at
major airports and enable us to develop the much needed hub-and-spoke mechanism. The
Committee notes that although the airlines industry got a huge fillip with the launch of
RCS, air connectivity in the country is largely confined to routes connecting State capitals
and large towns; and many parts of the country still remain unconnected by air services.

13
Therefore, the Committee recommends that the Ministry of Civil Aviation should take
urgent effective steps to ensure adequate air connectivity in different parts of the country
under RCS. The Committee also desires that the benefits under the Regional Connectivity
Scheme, currently restricted to three years, should be extended by another two years, to
give airlines an opportunity to transform a fledgling route into a strong and revenue-
generating one.
12.3. The Committee urges upon the Ministry to closely and meticulously, monitor the
implementation and impact of the UDAN Scheme and formulate plans and guidelines to
ensure that the benefits of the Scheme actually reach the passengers, as per the spirit of the
Scheme.
12.4. The Committee observes that direct air connectivity to tourist destinations and
cultural sites in the country can massively promote the tourism industry which will lead to
generation of more employment opportunities and faster economic growth. The
Committee, therefore, observes that there is an imperative need for close co-ordination
between the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and the Ministries of Tourism & Culture, in
matters regarding air connectivity to important tourist destinations and cultural sites in the
country. Hence, the Committee recommends the Ministry of Civil Aviation, to work in
tandem with the Ministries of Culture and Tourism, who are vital stakeholders in this
regard.
12.5. The Committee takes note of the fact that out of the 780 routes awarded under the
UDAN Scheme, only 359 routes have been operationalized so far, which is less than 50% of
what were awarded. The Chairman, AAI informed the Committee that in all, 1000 routes are to
be operationalized till 2024.
12.5.1. The Committee desires that the Ministry should examine the reasons for non-
commencement of the awarded routes; identify the bottlenecks in this regard; and chalk
out strategic steps to timely address the issues involved.
12.6. The Committee understands that there are many non-operational airstrips/airports
owned by AAI and State Governments. The Committee is of the view that operationalizing
these inactive AAI and State Government airstrips will ease out the pressure currently
prevailing on the airport infrastructure in the country. The Committee recommends that

14
unused airstrips and dormant airports should be utilized for promoting regional/remote
areas air connectivity under RCS.
12.7. The Committee takes note of the issues related to lack of adequate infrastructure of
airports due to non-availability of land, delay related to compliance of the regulations by
the airport operators, lack of road connectivity to the airports etc., that need to be
addressed on priority. The Committee recommends that the Ministry should take urgent
remedial steps to address these vital concerns. The Committee also notes that support from
the State Governments in the shape of multimodal connectivity, utilities, land availability,
security etc. are critical to the promotion of regional air connectivity under RCS. The
Committee would, therefore, like to urge upon the Ministry of Civil Aviation to impress
upon the State Governments, to form a dedicated mechanism mandated to offer one-stop
solutions to airline and airport operators, with the objective of promoting regional air
connectivity under RCS.
Development of Cargo Sector
13. In its written reply, the Ministry has stated thus:
Cargo Policy
13.1 A comprehensive National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) was released by the Ministry of
Civil Aviation in 2016, which, inter alia, sets out the policy and measures for the promotion of
both domestic and international air cargo and express delivery services. The Policy highlighted
that growth of air cargo was a key objective of the Government, given its importance from 'Make
in India', e-Commerce and exports perspectives.
13.2. Subsequently, a comprehensive National Air Cargo Policy Outline 2019 was also
released on 15.01.2019. It outlines a globally unique, holistic approach to achieve fundamental
re-engineering in the air cargo ecosystem for the growth and development of air cargo sector in
the country. The policy details out clear metrics on which the air cargo efficiencies will be
measured, create key performance indices that monitor the policy execution. The policy covers
all three categories of air cargo transport: viz. domestic cargo to ensure efficient flow of goods
across India; international cargo facilitating all indigenous export and import of goods; and
transit international cargo by making India the transit cargo hub of choice to and from other parts
of the globe. The policy covers development and growth of all types of cargo.
Trans-shipment cargo hub

15
13.3. Ministry of Civil Aviation had undertaken a study to establish "Trans-shipment Hub" at
major Airports like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata and further concluded with the
feasibility of establishment of trans-shipment hub at Delhi and Chennai Airports.
13.4. In pursuance thereof, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has operationalized a
dedicated Transshipment Excellence Centre (TEC). Similarly, transshipment operations at
Chennai airport have also been undertaken.
13.5. AAI Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company Limited AAICLAS), a wholly-owned
subsidiary company of Airports Authority of India (AAI) has also separately conducted
feasibility study for establishment of transshipment hub and Special Economic Zone at Chennai
International Airport. AAICLAS has earmarked one dedicated shed measuring 1,800 sqm in the
air-side of the integrated cargo terminal for handling all such transshipment cargo with X-ray
screening and access control facility.
13.6. Simplified Customs procedures have separately been taken up for development for
creating a trans-shipment cargo hub at Chennai Airport.
13.7. The Committee recognizes the fact that India’s strategic geographical location,
swelling economy and the growth registered in international & domestic trade in the last
decade are congenial to the growth in the air cargo sector. The Committee is disappointed
to note that despite these advantages, India has not fully realized its potential in terms of
air cargo. The Committee realizes the sad fact that inadequate infrastructure is a major
bottleneck in developing the country’s air cargo sector. The Committee, therefore,
recommends that the Ministry should take effective steps to establish dedicated cargo
airports in the country and to provide requisite facilities for the enhancement of air cargo
facilities, while setting up new airports.
13.8. Since automation is crucial for an efficient air freight mechanism, the Committee
recommends that the Ministry, in co-ordination with the stakeholders, should take effective
steps to automate information systems and to streamline/ simplify the respective processes
and regulations for faster, transparent and seamless movement of air cargo.
13.9. The Committee takes serious note of the fact that due to the Open Sky Policy for
cargo in India, foreign carriers carry 90%- 95% of the international cargo, to and from
India, while Indian air cargo operators face many barriers when they go into other
countries. The Committee, therefore, recommends that in order to provide a level playing

16
field for Indian air cargo operators, the Ministry of Civil Aviation should make
appropriate changes in the Open Sky Policy for cargo. The Committee also recommends
that Ministry/DGCA should take note of Indian cargo operators facing discriminatory and
restrictive practices or regulatory impediments in operating international cargo flights in
any of the foreign countries and take urgent steps to address/resolve them. The Committee
may be apprised of the action taken and the outcome achieved in this regard.
13.10. The Committee reiterates its recommendation made in its 293rd Report that the
Ministry should take timely action to address the issues of congestion at the entry of
terminal, inadequate screening, inadequate storage space, lack of temperature facility etc.
at the cargo terminals. The Committee also recommends that the Ministry should take
steps to ensure that attractive and uniform transit handling costs and procedures are
implemented across all airports in the country.
Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) infrastructure
14. The Ministry, in its written reply, has informed the Committee that the Ministry has taken
the following initiatives to encourage Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) infrastructure
to support the growth in the Indian aviation sector:-
a. Under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, AAI has come up with an MRO policy with
highly liberalized land rentals. Royalty (revenue share payment to AAI by MRO) has
been abolished. This may lead to enhanced business for Indian MROs and help reverse
the outflow of business, employment and foreign exchange to foreign MROs.
b. GST on direct MRO contracts has been reduced from 18% to 5% with full Input Tax
Credit from 1 April 2020.
c. Transactions sub-contracted by foreign MRO to a domestic MRO are now treated as
exports with zero-rated GST.
d. An online meeting was held under the chairmanship of Secretary, MoCA on 11 Jan 2021
with the representatives of MRO industry, officers of DGCA and AAI. Issues related to
documentation, bilaterals, convergence of military and civil MROs and incentivisation
were discussed. A follow-up meeting between MoCA, AAI and MRO industry was held
on 12 Jan 2021 to apprise them of the key features of the AAI MRO policy.
Rationalization of FTO and MRO charges

17
14.1. In its Annual Report (2020-21), the Ministry has stated that to encourage setting up of
FTOs and MROs at AAI Airports in line with NCAP – 2016 and Hon’ble PM’s self-reliant India,
the charges were rationalized. India has lot of potential to become global hub for FTOs and
MROs and has the required resources to address the ever growing domestic and global demand.
The rationalization of charges will give impetus to provision of the required infrastructure for
setting up of state of the art FTOs and MROs. The proposal for setting up of FTOs at AAI
Airport has already been invited and has drawn lot of interest from the Industry.
14.2. The Committee observes that there has been a tremendous growth in the MRO
opportunities that can be exploited by our country, enabled due to the rapid growth in the
Civil Aviation sector witnessed in the recent past. India has huge potential to be an MRO
hub which can accommodate the growing Civil Aviation needs of the country and also
other countries. Aircraft MRO services are critical in the aviation value chain and it would
be of a huge loss for the country, if we do not tap the vast technical and skill personnel
available in this field in the country. However, the Committee is disappointed to note that
the country has not yet been able to fully exploit the opportunities available in this sector.
14.3. The Committee understands that a major deterrent for the growth of the MRO
industry is high taxation of MRO components. The Committee strongly recommends that
the Ministry should give necessary focus on the issues presently faced in the MRO sector in
order to ensure that India evolves into a key international player in offering MRO
facilities. The Committee recommends that the Ministry should take necessary steps to
ensure that MRO workshops are set up in all the metro cities in the country, in order to
attract international business. The Committee also emphasizes the need for enhanced
collaboration between defence and civil MROs.
Pilot Training Institutes
15. In response to a query as to whether the Government is planning to set up Pilot training
Institutes to make use of unused airstrips, the Ministry has stated that:
a. With a view to optimally utilise the unused infrastructure at AAI airports and enhance the
number of license pilots in the country, 6 airports (Lilabari, Khajuraho, Belagavi,
Kalaburgi, Jalgaon and Salem) have been permitted to allow the FTOs to operate at their
premises on the basis of payment of substantially rationalised concession fee by the

18
 FTOs. The concept of royalty (payment of revenue share by FTOs to AAI) has been
abolished.
b. The Request For Proposal (RFP) for leasing of 06 airstrips has already been floated by
AAI to invite bidders. Based on the outcome of this initiative, it might be replicated at
other airports.
c. DGCA CAR Section 7 Series I Part V is being modified to empower Flying Instructors
(FI) to authorise flight operations at FTOs. This may help increase the flying hours at
each FTOs significantly. Hitherto, this power has been granted only to Chief Flying
Instructors (CFI) and Deputy CFIs.
d. These initiatives will help enhance the flying hours and the training infrastructure in the
country. This will result in generation of employment opportunities and help in reversing
the outflow of foreign exchange.
15.1. The Committee emphasizes the imperative need to make available, state-of-the-art
facilities for the training of professionals in the aviation sector. Keeping in view the rapid
growth in the Indian aviation industry and shortage of pilots faced in India, the Committee
recommends that the Ministry should set up new Institutes for Pilot Training and to
revamp the existing ones by providing modern simulators and also augment the capacity
intake of students in the existing Institutes. The Committee recommends that the Ministry
should envisage setting up of Pilot Training Institute adjacent to the airport, at least in one
airport, in each State. The Committee strongly recommends that the training facilities
offered to the various technical professionals in the Civil Aviation sector, such as pilots,
ATC controllers, technicians, safety inspectors and engineers should match up with
standardized international training facilities. The Ministry should also take necessary steps
to ensure that sufficient number of trainers are made available, by offering incentives
which would attract them to this field.
Pollution Control
Energy Conservation Measures:
16. It has been stated in the Annual Report (2020-21) of the Ministry of Civil Aviation that
Airports Authority of India (AAI) is consistently endeavouring with all the required programs &
SOPs in line with the Government’s Directive & ICAO initiatives to meet the commitment to
conserve environment/resources and to reduce the adverse impact on society, community and

19
ecosystem, thus contributing to National Action Plan for Climate Change (NAPCC). AAI has
mainly taken following steps:
 Installation of Solar PV Plant at Airports:- AAI is focusing on energy conservation by
exploring alternative solutions for generating green energy by installing and operating
roof top & ground mounted solar power plants. AAI has installed around 44.37 MWp
capacity Solar Power Plants at its various Airports and 12 MWp Solar Energy is being
procured through open access. Work is in progress for around 16.26 MWp capacity Solar
Power Plants. AAI has generated 480 Lakh units and sourced 2.26 lakh units through
open access, translating to benefit of Rs. 29 crore in the year 2020. This has also resulted
into reduction in Carbon Emission of 57,900 tCO2 per annum.
16.1. Further, AAI has signed MoU with NVVN (NTPC Vidhyut Vyapar Nigam), wholly
owned subsidiary of NTPC Ltd, to establish Solar Power Plants and Purchase of Solar Power
through Open Access to make 100% green powered airports in phased manner.
16.2. AAI and NVVN will also jointly work towards supporting Govt. of India initiatives for
adoption of electric vehicles by creation of public charging infrastructure and promoting usage of
electric vehicles at airports. A Plan will be developed for adoption of electric vehicles on city
side and airside at various airports and provision of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations.
Energy Audit at Airports: -
16.3. As per Energy Conservation Act, 2001 issued by Ministry of Power, various energy
saving measures have been taken up consistently under identified short term and long term
measures through regular Energy Audits by specialized agencies. The Review audits mandated
to be carried out after 03 years to assess the effectiveness of implementation measures of
previous audits are already completed for 33 no. airports. Further, 11 airports are completed in
the year 2020.
National LED program (UJALA- Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for all):
16.4. AAI has already completed replacement of conventional light fixtures with LED fittings.
In phase I, 23 airports are completed with expenditure of Rs. 16 crores approx. In phase II, the
work for expenditure of Rs. 24.41 crores at 62 airports has been taken up by M/s EESL- nodal
agency implementing National LED program of Government of India. The replacement at 52
airports has already been completed. Further, 06 airports are completed in the year 2020 and 04
airports under progress.

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ACI – Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) certification:
16.5. AAI has participated voluntarily in the Airport Carbon Accreditation program launched
by Airports Council International (ACI) and has achieved Accreditation of Level-2 (i.e.
“Reduction in Carbon Emission”) during December 2019 for 04 Airports – Kolkata, Trivandrum,
Bhubaneswar & Varanasi by formulating Carbon Management Plan and reducing the direct
Green House Gases (GHG) emissions, which shows AAI’s commitment towards fulfillment of
environment obligations by reducing carbon footprints at its Airports. The Certification is valid
up to Dec’21.
16.6. In respect of the pro-Environment steps taken by AAI in the construction of Airports, the
Ministry has stated that in order to ensure that the contractors take all action for protection of
Environment, a special conditions for compliance of Environmental Laws is made part of
contract. These are implemented during execution of airport construction works.
16.7. Regarding the details of the new benchmark set by AAI in reducing carbon footprint, the
Ministry has underlined that AAI has set up new bench mark in carbon reduction by
implementing ACI-ACA programme at its 04 Airports i.e. Kolkata, Trivandrum, Bhubaneswar&
Varanasi and achieved Accreditation Level of “REDUCTION” (Level-2). The target set up for
reduction of carbon emission at these 04 AAI Airports is75% reduction of direct emission per
PAX upto year 2030 with respect to base year 2015 with reduction of direct emission of 5% per
PAX annually.
16.8. In its endeavor to reduce carbon footprints, the Ministry has stated that AAI has achieved
upgradation to next level of Airports Council International (ACI)- Airport Carbon Accreditation
(ACA) program, i.e., level-2 reduction for four of its airports, viz., Kolkata Trivandrum,
Varanasi, & Bhubaneswar by formulation of a Carbon emission reduction target. For these
airports AAI has set the target in reduction in direct GHG Emission (Scope 1 & 2) @ 5% per pax
per year over base year – 2015 benchmark value and 75% reduction in direct GHG Emission by
2030 over base year 2015.
16.9. AAI is continuously striving for reduction of Carbon footprints by focusing on renewable
energy & other green initiatives. At present total capacity of solar power plants installed at AAI
airports is around 44MWp and works are in progress for around 16MWp capacity. This has
resulted in achieving carbon emission reduction of approx. 57600 t CO2 per annum at AAI

21
airports. AAI is further making efforts to enhance the total solar power capacity at its airports to
80MWp by 2022.
16.10. The Committee appreciates the steps taken by AAI to reduce Carbon footprints and
desires that AAI should update its pollution control methods to meet international best
practices in this regard.
COVID-19 Pandemic
17. With respect to the steps being taken by AAI to manage the COVID19 pandemic crisis,
the Ministry of Civil Aviation has stated, in its written reply, that following steps are being taken
by AAI to manage the COVID-19 pandemic crisis:
(i) Contactless movement of passengers: AAI has ensured contactless movement of
passengers right from entry gate till the boarding gate at its airports.
Glass shields have been provided at the entry gate and check-in-counters to avoid contact
between passengers and Security/Airlines staff. Passengers are encouraged to web check-in and
bring printout of boarding card. Also self drop baggage system has been provided.
Security staff practices minimum touch concept during frisking. At boarding gates, passenger
self scan his boarding card.
a. Hygiene and Sanitisation : Cleanliness of every nook and corner of Terminal building
and surrounding areas (including wash rooms, lifts, escalators, X-Ray machines, Chairs,
counters, railings, Security trays, doors, handles etc) is ensured at all AAI airports. Also
Terminal building is sanitised on regular basis. Baggage and shoes of Passengers is
sanitized at the entry gate. Sanitizer is being provided at strategic locations for passengers
and airport staff. Proper ventilation is being ensured at Airports wherever it is possible.
b. Social distancing norms: Social distancing norms as per directives of Ministry of Health
& Family Welfare (MoH&FW) are followed at every meeting point and in the queue at
entry point, Check-in, security and boarding gates etc. Seating arrangement has been
done so as to maintain sufficient distance among passengers. Also stickers/markings have
been provided at the appropriate locations. Kerb Area/ City side traffic / Car parking area
is being strictly monitored in coordination with traffic police/ DGR Staff to prevent
congestion. Specific Identified Aerobridge is being provided to arriving International
Passengers. Minimum passengers are permitted in Smoking lounge, Child care rooms to
maintain social distancing norms.

22
 c. Other actions: Passengers wearing masks and with green status on Aarogyasetu app are
allowed to enter the Terminal building. All airport staff handling flights have been
provided with required protective gears for the safety. Use of baggage trolleys is
minimized. Dedicated triage Area/ Isolation room has been provided for the suspected
passengers. If any suspected passenger is detected, Health officials shift him to hospitals
as per guidelines. Health information and do's and don’ts as issued by Ministry of Health
& Family Welfare has been displayed at Flight Information Display System (FIDS) and
other prominent places. De-gowning area for medical personnel /crew to divest and
dispose Personal Protective Equipment has been provided at airports. Bio hazardous
garbage is being disposed as per norms.
d. Extended Watch Hours: During COVID-19 crisis, operations are carried out for
supporting essential flights without compromising the safety. In some of the North
Eastern airports, extended watch hours were being managed. Watch hours were modified
at most airports as per operational requirement.
e. To ensure social distancing and to protect personnel from exposure of pandemic
deployment of staggered manpower provisioned for sustainable Operations and
Maintenance Management of CNS/ATM services and infrastructure.
f. Reserve Manpower is ensured to provide continued ANS services under pandemic
condition. Clubbing of duties to minimize exposure during the crisis situation.
g. Work from Home, e-office, Video Conferencing for continuity of office framework.
h. Creation and Establishment of Contingency ATC Centres to guard against building
quarantine in case of COVID19 detection.
i. Continuous monitoring of equipment facilities through software tools and social media
groups.
j. Flight Calibration scaled down and rescheduled as per requirement. Maintenance and
ground calibration activities not compromised for ensuring safety of operations.
k. it is pertinent to mention that based on various Government Guidelines issued from time
to time, similar instructions have been issued by AAI as a preventive measure to contain
the spread of COVID-19.
17.1. The Committee appreciates the public safety measures adopted by the Ministry of
Civil Aviation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Committee desires that the Ministry

23
should ensure that such measures are periodically updated in tune with international best
practices in this regard.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
18. With regard to the Revenue mix of AAI and the measures that have been taken/are being
taken to mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on AAI's revenue, the Ministry has stated
that the Revenue mix of AAI comprises of the following: -
a. Revenue from ANS
b. Revenue from Aeronautical Airport Services
c. Revenue from Non-Aeronautical Airport Services
d. Airport Lease Revenue
e. Other Income
18.1. The structural changes made by AAI to meet the challenges posed by the unprecedented
crisis due to COVID-19 pandemic are as follows:
a. Review of Planned CAPEX for feasible reduction in the CAPEX Targets
b. Cost Reduction Measures for reducing the Employee Benefit, Operating and
Administrative Expenses
c. Moreover, AAI has already taken the Austerity Measures to reduce the expenditure on
certain activities like Foreign/Inland Travel, Recruitment, Trainings, Leave Encashment,
Annual Function, Conferences/Seminars, OPA/OTC, Sports Activities, Loan &
Advances, etc.
18.2. In respect of the outlook for the airport sector in the aftermath of Covid-19 pandemic and
whether any structural changes are to be made to meet the challenges posed by this
unprecedented crisis, the Ministry has highlighted that the Novel Corona Virus Disease 2019
(COVID-19) Health Pandemic outbreak has brought in extraordinary situation for the Aviation
Industry Worldwide. With lockdown in force, scheduled international and domestic passenger
flight operations remain suspended with effect from 22/03/2020 & 25/03/2020 respectively in
India. The Airport Commercial Operations in India were also stopped. Though the Domestic
Passenger Flight Operations and Airport Commercial Operation have started in skeleton manner
after the lockdown period, it will take time for the normalcy to come back for the Aviation
Sector. Hence, there is going to be a substantial reduction in the scale of Airlines and Airport
Operations in the FY 2020-21.

24
18.3. Some of the structural changes to meet the challenges posed by the unprecedented crisis
are noted below: -
a. Review of Planned CAPEX for feasible reduction in the CAPEX Targets.
b. Cost Reduction Measures for reducing the Employee Benefit, Operating and
Administrative Expenses
c. AAI has already taken the Austerity Measures to reduce the expenditure on certain
activities like Foreign/Inland Travel, Recruitment, Trainings, Leave Encashment, Annual
Function, Conferences/Seminars, OPA/OTC, Sports Activities, Loan & Advances, etc.
d. Initially operations of flights recommenced with 30% of Terminal capacity to maintain
social distancing norms.
e. From operations point of view, No structural changes have been made.
f. HD camera has been installed at Pre-Security Check Area to capture Passenger Face &
boarding Pass.
g. Planning for “UV (Ultra-violet) tunnel” for sanitizing the passenger baggage’s.
18.4. Regarding the issues being faced by Airports Authority of India (AAI) at present and
their possible solutions, the Ministry has informed that the major issues being faced by the AAI
are as under:
a. The lockdown conditions prevailing due to COVID 19 have dented the financial state of
AAI. It's likely to impact Revenue and Revenue Realization for AAI in the coming
months of FY 2020-21.
Solution: For funding CAPEX during the pandemic, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has
accorded approval for internal/external borrowing of Rs.2100Crores.
b. The present hand-frisking of passengers in the Security Hold Area (SHA) is through
HHMD, which is partially touch based and hence dangerous in the present circumstances.
Solution: In order to implement the touch less frisking, Body Scanner system to screen
the passenger for concealed items on the body underclothing are being introduced. Body
Scanner system shall reduce the hand frisking.
18.5. The Committee is well aware of the fact that the aviation sector has been badly hit
by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Committee understands that the adverse effect of the
COVID-19 pandemic on the airlines operating in the country, which were already reeling
under heavy losses, was unprecedented. The Committee recommends that the Ministry

25
should adopt relief measures to help the airlines tide over the adverse impact of the
pandemic and that the Ministry should envisage immediate and long term measures, to
enable the resurgence of the airlines in the country.
18.6. The Committee desires that the Ministry should take necessary steps to ensure short
term waiver or short term put off, in terms of aviation charges, for sustaining a viable
aviation industry. The Committee is of the view that all airlines and aviation-related
business must be treated as priority sector lending. The Committee reiterates the
recommendation made in its 293rd Report that the Ministry should provide a sectoral fund,
which is professionally managed and which can provide structured debt to the airlines
industry.
Training Courses conducted by AAI
19. Regarding the training courses conducted by AAI, the Ministry has enumerated in its
written reply, that:-
a. AAI has been conducting various training courses for upgrading the skills and overall
development of employees. AAI presently has 4 training institutes viz. Indian Aviation
Academy, Civil Aviation Training College (CATC) Prayagraj (with campuses at
Hyderabad and Gondia), Fire Training Centre(FTC), New Delhi and Fire Service
Training Centre (FSTC), Kolkata that cater to specific training requirements of AAI
employees from all disciplines.
Apart from above, there are 5 Regional Training Centres and CHQ Training Cell which
are mainly catering the training requirements of employees posted in various regions and
headquarters.
b. The various training programs offered by AAI and its Training Institutes/establishments
are being updated as and when required based on the job requirements.
c. Trainings are essential and regulatory requirements for ANS Operations and
Maintenance. Accordingly, Training and competency assessment is ongoing continuously
through online applications. Though Classroom Trainings and physical interactions
suspended during COVID-19 crisis, online Applications have been adopted for imparting
essential trainings related to operations.
d. AAI is conducting training courses at the following three Air Traffic Services Training
Organizations (ATSTOs), duly approved by DGCA:

26
 i. CATC Prayagraj,
ii. HTC Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad and
iii. NIATAM Gondia
The DGCA approved courses are delivered at ATSTOs apart from other specialized
courses.
e. The courses conducted by ATM Department at ATSTOs are updated regularly as per
National and International requirements.
19.1. The Committee underlines the need for providing training courses to upgrade the
skills of the employees of AAI. The Committee desires that the Ministry should ensure that
the training courses conducted by AAI match up to international standards and that they
are tailor made to suit the requirements of the Civil Aviation sector.
Vacancies in AAI
20. In response to a query of the Committee regarding the total number of posts sanctioned
and posts lying vacant in AAI, the Ministry has furnished that the status of vacant Induction level
post are as below:-
Cadre Sanctioned Strength Actual Strength Vacant Positions
Group-A Executive 1445 1358 87
Group-B Executive 3243 2595 648
Group-C Non-Executive 1713 903 539
Total 6401 4856 1274

20.1. As regards the reasons and the steps taken by AAI to fill the vacant positions, the
Ministry has stated that in view of award of 06 select Airports to Private Operator under PPP
modal and another 06 being under process, the surplus manpower from these airports will need
to be re-deployed to other Airports. Further, in view of decline in revenue position due to Covid-
19 pandemic, the new recruitment has been kept in abeyance, except in cadres affecting the
operational requirement.
Vacancies in the posts of Air Traffic Controllers
21. The Ministry has informed the Committee that following steps have been taken to
replenish the posts of Air Traffic Controllers (ATCOs) in AAI :-
Recruitment

27
21.1. Direct Recruitment for 264 posts of Jr. Executives (ATC) is currently in process for
which the Computer Based Test has already been conducted on 24.03.2021. Further, internal
recruitment for filling up 158 Nos. of posts of Manager (ATC) through Departmental
Examination is also in process.
Creation of additional posts
21.2. The proposal of AAI Board for creation of 340 posts of ATCOs is being taken up with
Dept. of Public Enterprises by this Ministry.
21.3. The Committee takes serious note of the vacancies existing in AAI at various levels.
The Committee strongly feels that a vital organization such as AAI cannot afford to have so
many vacancies. The Committee is especially perturbed to note the number of vacancies in
the post of ATCOs. The Committee is apprehensive that such a situation will adversely
affect the work output of ATCOs by putting them under immense stress, thereby,
compromising the safety of flight operations. The Committee recommends that the
Ministry should take urgent concrete steps to fill up the vacancies existing in AAI.
21.4. The Committee takes note of the fact that Child Care Leave is not granted to women
ATCOs in AAI. The Committee desires that the Ministry may furnish the reasons therefor,
to the Committee, in its Action Taken Report.
21.5. The Committee is given to understand that AAI could not comply with the regulatory
requirement of DGCA Watch Duty Time Limitation CAR. The Committee desires that the
Ministry may furnish the reasons therefor, to the Committee, in its Action Taken Report.
21.6. The Chairman, AAI while making a presentation before the Committee, stated that 6403
post of Non-Executives have been abolished. The Committee is eager to know about the
reasons for such abolition of posts and the impact thereof, on the functioning of the
organization. The Committee desires that this information may be furnished by the
Ministry in its Action Taken Report.
Digi Yatra
22. As per the Annual Report (2020-21) of the Ministry, considering the growth projections,
its direct impact on the passenger journey, the cost of Infrastructure and the impact on the speed
and efficiency of passenger processes, Ministry of Civil Aviation has taken up a key initiative to
reimagine domestic air travel in India by looking beyond the conventional “build a bigger

28
Airport to manage more Passengers” to look for Innovation and technology for better and cost-
effective solutions.
22.1. One of the key initiatives in this direction is “Digi Yatra” which intends to give a
seamless, hassle-free and paperless journey experience to every domestic air traveller in India.
Using cutting edge Identity Management and “Face recognition” technologies, it aims to
simplify the passenger processes at various check points in the airport right from the terminal
entry gate, check-in/ bag drop, security check and boarding gates. With respect to the
implementation of Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) at all the airports, the Ministry has
stated that Facial Recognition System is part of the Digi Yatra initiative of the government. Digi
Yatra is a passenger processing system being implemented by airports in phased manner. The
project is at trial stage and the first phase will be implemented by the end of year 2021 is at
Kolkata, Varanasi, Pune, Vijayawada, Bangalore and Hyderabad Airports.
22.2. With Digi Yatra, passengers will no longer need to show their tickets/ boarding passes
and their physical Identity cards at many of the check points at the airport. This will lead to
reduced waiting time in queues, faster processing times and simpler processes.
22.3. The Committee hopes that Digi Yatra will enable seamless and paperless journey
for the air travelers in the country. The Committee desires that the Ministry should
implement more such initiatives which would benefit the passengers.
Digital Sky
23. In its Annual Report (2020-21), the Ministry has stated that this project is aimed to
develop an IT platform to enable the Drone ecosystem in India by enforcement of the DGCA
CAR 1.0 digitally.
23.1. Digital Sky platform would provide features to bring different agencies on the same
platform to enable the registration of Drones, flight planning, real time tracking, conflict
management and flight log analysis to check for deviation from the approved flight plans.
23.2. System is envisaged to divide the Indian airspace in red, yellow and green colour zones
with respect to the no permission to fly drone, controlled permission to fly drones and approved
zones for drone flying respectively. System would allow to add/ update the zones as per the
requirements to address the dynamic need to permit or deny the drone flying in a specific air
space. It is also planned that system would be able to capture the real time telemetry information
from drones and also provide the inputs for the conflict management of the Drone flights.

29
23.3. The Committee appreciates this initiative of the Ministry. The Committee hopes
that Digital Sky would turn out to be beneficial to the drone ecosystem in the country.
Air Sewa
24. The Ministry, in its Annual Report (2020-21), has stated that Air Sewa is an initiative of
Ministry of Civil Aviation, launched in 2016, to offer passengers a convenient and hassle-free air
travel experience.
24.1. Air Sewa platform brings various aviation stakeholders like airports, airlines, DGCA,
BCAS etc. on a common platform for redressal of air traveller’s grievances thus integrating
various stakeholders in aviation sector with whom an air traveller has to interact during air travel.
24.2. It works through an interactive web portal (airsewa.gov.in) and mobile app for both
Android and iOS platforms that includes a mechanism for grievance redressal, checking flight
status/schedule information, airport Information and FAQS.
24.3. Air Sewa is planned to have additional features like escalation of the grievances, transfer
of the grievances amongst stakeholders, mobile app for the nodal officer, maps for select airports
and dashboards in future release.
24.4. While appreciating the initiative of the Ministry, the Committee recommends that
the Ministry should ensure that the grievances of passengers are addressed effectively in a
time-bound manner. The Committee desires that the Air Sewa Platform should be
upgraded periodically, so that it fulfills the dynamic requirements of the air passengers.
The Committee underlines the need for formulating the desired SOP for the purpose.
Making Airports Accessible to all under the ‘Accessible India Campaign’
25. It has been stated in the Annual Report (2020-21) of the Ministry of Civil Aviation that
general guidelines as shared by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on the 10 features
of accessibility have been shared with all AAI airports for making the airports accessible, which
include:
1. Accessible Route/Approach
2. Accessible Parking
3. Accessible Entrance to the Building
4. Accessible Reception (Helpdesk)
5. Accessible Corridor/Tactile Flooring
6. Accessible lift

30
7. Staircase with Handrails (Main passenger movement zone)
8. Accessible toilets
9. Accessible Drinking Water Facility
10. Signage

 Accessibility features are being incorporated in all the AAI airports

 Data for 54 airports has already been uploaded on the MIS portal of AIC and data of
other airports is being uploaded.
 Presently 07 AAI Airports namely Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Calicut, Kolkata, Trivandrum,
Trichy and Chennai are having Ambulift facility through Ground Handling agencies.35
Airports of AAI already have aerobridge facility.
 AAI has initiated the procurement process of Ambulifts at 20 Airports having Code C or
above Aircraft Operation and doesn’t have aerobridge facility to ensure seamless transfer
of Divyang passengers. Tender has been invited for procurement of 20 Nos. Ambulift and
the technical bid was opened on 10th Nov, 2020. Tender shall be finalized by January,
2021 and expected date of completion of project in December'2021.
 AAI is conducting regular sensitization workshops with Airport Directors and other staff
of AAI explaining the 10 points guidelines and standards requirements.
 AAI also trains employees at Indian Aviation Academy on the special standardized
training package created under ICAO Trainair Plus program on ICAO STP: Passengers
with reduced mobility.
 Personnel on help desk are being given training to communicate efficiently with all
Divyangjans including training on sign language for hearing impaired and mute (deaf and
dumb) persons.
 As per RPwD act 2016, accessibility standards/guidelines are required to be notified by
Ministry of Civil Aviation. In this regard, ‘Guidelines for Accessible Airports in India’
containing all the details on Accessible Airport Infrastructure including the above 10
features of accessibility has been prepared by AAI and forwarded to MoCA. Further,
MoCA advised that the points related to airlines and BCAS to also be incorporated to
make comprehensive guidelines of Ministry of Civil Aviation.

31
  This comprehensive handbook incorporating all the accessibility features of
infrastructure, security services and airlines would be forwarded by MOCA to DEPwD
for vetting, post which it will be published.
25.1. The Committee appreciates the sensitivity and empathy shown by the Ministry,
towards the genuine needs and concerns of the differently abled people. The Committee
exhorts the Ministry to take similar steps to ensure a barrier free and conducive travel
environment for differently abled people.
Optimal Utilization of Airspace
26. The Committee was apprised by the Chairman, AAI during his deposition before the
Committee that only 60% of the national airspace is available with AAI for civilian flights and
that rest is with the Ministry of Defence. He further stated that such restrictions cause higher
travel distance, fuel burn, operational cost and carbon footprint. He informed the Committee that
under Flexible Use of Airspace (FUA), Upper airspace of 48 Restricted Areas under IAF have
been converted into Temporary Reserved Airspace (TRA). Through these TRA, Conditional
Routes (CDR) were made available for civil flights.
26.1. In respect of the latest update on the Coordination Committee between AAI and IAF,
which was set up to enhance the airspace availability and optimize the use of airspace without
compromising air security, the Ministry has clarified that as a result of the efforts of the
Coordination Committee, 32 Conditional Routes (CDR) were established by December, 2020.
Additionally, proposal for 53 CDR has also been agreed by IAF and HAL for which safety
assessment is being carried out by AAI. IAF is further examining the proposal for 15 CDR
forwarded by AAI.
26.2. The Committee understands that India’s airspace is very complex and that it gives
rise to many challenges. One such challenge is ensuring optimal usage of the airspace,
which requires comprehensive planning and management. The Committee appreciates the
steps taken by AAI to ensure optimal use of airspace. The Committee hopes that the
optimal utilization of Indian airspace will lead to reduction in flight time, fuel consumption
and carbon emission. The Committee desires that the Ministry should explore more
effective steps in this direction and implement the same.
26.3. The Airports Authority of India has envisaged saving of 1000 crores, with the
rationalization of air space under the control of Air Force. This policy level discussion on Flexi

32
Air Space has been going on for quite some time. The Committee feels that there are no
empirical details or documentation or progress made in the air spaces released by the Indian Air
Force for use of Civilian Operations across the country, resulting in reduction in flight time. The
Committee would like to know the actual details of savings of the targeted 1000 crores by
rationalization in the flexi air space. The Committee recommends that a High Level
Committee should be constituted by including stakeholders such as Airlines, Air Traffic
Controllers i.e., Airports Authority of India and that a comprehensive exercise should be
done in this regard. Also, a Road Map should be formulated for negotiation with the Indian
Air Force, in order to achieve the targeted savings.
Seaplane Operations
27. The Ministry, in its Annual Report (2020-21), has stated that Ministry of Civil Aviation
has already directed Airports Authority of India to identify locations of Tourist/Religious
importance near water bodies for setting up Water Aerodromes to introduce Seaplane Operations
in India under the prestigious UDAN Scheme. Accordingly, AAI requested several states to
identify potential water bodies for conduct of Pre-Feasibility Study for seaplane operations. A
Multi-Disciplinary Team with officials from AAI, DGCA and Spicejet was formed to conduct
the Study.
27.1. The current status of identification of water bodies for setting up Water Aerodromes to
introduce Seaplane operations in India, under the UDAN Scheme and the response of the
respective State Governments in this regard is as under:-
S.No. State Water Aerodrome being developed under
UDAN 3.0, 3.1 & 4.0
1. Gujarat Sardar Sarovar Dam (Statue of Unity) – 3.0
Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad – 3.0
Shatrunjay Dam – 3.0
2. Andaman & Nicobar Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island) – 3.1
Islands Shaheed Dweep (Neill Island) – 3.1
Long Island – 3.1
2. Assam Guwahati Riverfront – 3.0
Umrangso, Dima Hasao – 3.0
3. Telangana Nagarjuna Sagar Dam – 3.0

33
 4. Andhra Pradesh Prakasham Barrage – 3.1
5. Lakshadweep Kavaratti Island – 4.0
Minicoy Island – 4.0

27.2. The first Seaplane Operations under this scheme was inaugurated by Hon’ble Prime
Minister of India on 31st October, 2020 for Sabarmati Riverfront - Statue of Unity route.
27.3. After the successful commencement of the first Seaplane Service between Sabarmati
Riverfront, Ahmedabad and Statue of Unity, Kevadia, other State Govts. / MPs have shown
interest to develop Water Aerodromes and have forwarded requests for conducting feasibility
study at locations identified by them. The Sagarmala Seaplane Services has also proposed around
86 Seaplane Routes which have been listed in the recently concluded 4.1 bidding under the
UDAN.
27.4. MoCA has also written letters to Chief Secretaries of various States along with
parameters for selecting suitable site, requesting them to identify and propose routes for
development of Water Aerodromes and forward a consolidated proposal for development of
Water Aerodromes in their State. Reply is awaited from State Governments.
27.5. The Committee recognizes the immense potential available for seaplanes operations
in the country. However, it is disappointing to note that such potential has not yet been
exploited fully. The seaplane services will hopefully revolutionize the nation’s regional
connectivity. The Committee takes note of the steps taken by the Ministry to encourage
seaplane operations. The Committee recommends that the Government should put in
place, requisite policies and infrastructure, in order to enable more seaplane operations in
India. The Committee desires that the Ministry should ensure that the necessary amenities
keeping up with international standards for seaplane operations, such as terminal
buildings, facilitation counters, check-in counters, modern ticketing methods, food
counters, motels, shopping facilities etc. are provided, for the smooth operation of
seaplanes. The Committee also underlines the urgent need to formulate a ‘Seaplane Policy’.
Helicopter operations
27.A. The Committee is aware of the fact that there exists an immense potential for far more
helicopter operations in India. The Committee understands that the major stumbling block in
increasing the number of helicopter operations in India is that the regulations governing civil

34
helicopters in India are very restrictive, making the operation of helicopters unviable. Another
vital concern in this area is building of heliports, for which the support of State Governments is
crucial.
27.A.1. The Committee is of the considered view that much more attention needs to be
given to helicopter operations in the country. The Committee reiterates its
recommendation in its 293rd Report that the Ministry should address the issues of proper
maintenance of helicopters, replacement of aged helicopters and training of the crew, on
priority basis. The Committee emphasizes the need for simulator module training for
helicopter pilots for offshore landing. The Committee recommends that the Ministry
should take urgent steps to ensure a network of heliports, in order to give necessary boost
to the helicopter operations in the country. The Committee underlines the need for greater
co-operation between the Ministry and State Governments for building heliports in the
country.
Adequate connectivity of airports with roads and railways
28. Time and again, the Committee has been highlighting the vital issue of poor connectivity
of airports with roads and railways. This shortcoming has proved to be a stumbling block in the
connectivity domain of the logistics, created for hassle free and seamless movement of men and
goods, across the length and breadth of the country.
28.1. The Committee emphasizes the invariable need to ensure that requisite synergy is
achieved between/amongst the concerned Ministries/Departments, in order to make certain
that airports are well connected with other means of transport such as road and railways,
so that tourists/flyers reach their destinations, from the airports, in a smooth and safe
manner. Further, the Ministry should collaborate with the State Governments and other
stakeholders to ensure that adequate road and rail connectivity is available from the
airports.
Cancellation or delaying of flights
28.A. The Ministry has informed the Committee that Directorate General of Civil Aviation
(DGCA) has issued Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) Section 3, Series M, Part IV on
“Facilities to be provided to passengers by airlines due to denied boarding, cancellation of flights
and delays in flights”. Copy of the CAR is enclosed herewith. However, in view of the
observation of the Department related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism

35
And Culture, a meeting was held on 04.12.2020 with airlines and airport operators, wherein
airlines were sensitized to adequately facilitate the passengers in case of cancellation or delaying
of flights and they should have pre-planned arrangements to assist passengers in such
eventualities. All the participating airlines stated that they are strictly following the provisions of
above-mentioned CAR and even go beyond it to assist passenger, wherever required. Airport
operators also assured to extend necessary support to airlines in taking adequate care of the
passengers.
Moreover, a meeting was held under the chairmanship of Secretary (Civil Aviation) on
04.12.2020, where Chairman, Airports Authority of India, Director General, DGCA and other
senior officers were present. DGCA has been directed to communicate to all the airlines/airports
for extending necessary facilitation as per CAR. In cases, where airlines are unable to provide
such facilities, the airports should extend the necessary facilities as per CAR and collect the
expenditure incurred in this regard from the airlines.
28.A.1. The Committee takes serious note of the inconvenience and trouble caused to the
passengers in the event of rescheduling or cancellation of flights. The Committee
recommends that the Ministry should ensure that necessary assistance should be given to
the air travelers, in case of rescheduling/ cancellation of flight or missing connecting flight.
The Committee strongly recommends that designated holding area should be provided at
all airports to accommodate passengers who are stranded at the airport due to either of the
above mentioned event. The Committee impresses upon the Ministry to urge upon the
airlines to make sure that facilities such as food, water, medical help and accommodation
are available to stranded passengers. The Committee impresses upon the Ministry to
ensure that its guidelines in this regard are scrupulously adhered to by the airlines.
Vigilance Mechanism
29. On a query of the Committee regarding the Vigilance mechanism existing in AAI, the
Ministry has stated that:-
1. The roles and functions of Vigilance Department are in conformity with CVC’s special
chapter on “Vigilance for the PSUs”. The Vigilance Directorate of AAI is headed by a
Chief Vigilance Officer of the level of Additional Secretary to Govt. of India. Corporate
Vigilance Department (CVD)of AAI is located at New Delhi office whereas it also has its
five regional offices viz. Northern, Eastern, Western, Southern & North-Eastern located

36
 at New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai and Guwahati respectively. There are
37sanctioned posts of Vigilance Officers in different ranks and the Vigilance set-up in
Corporate Vigilance Department is divided into two parts, Investigation wing and a
Technical Wing reporting to the ED (Vigilance) who ultimately reports to CVO. The
investigation wing is headed by DCVO (I) whereas the Technical Wing is headed by
DCVO (T). All the matter being looked after by the Vigilance Officers is confidential in
nature, and it is also ensured that the files pertaining to Vigilance Directorate does not
move outside and as such an environment has been created to ensure transparency,
impartiality and in-dependency.
2. All the VOs are provided proper training through CBI Academy and other reputed
institutes and are also apprised of the latest CVC guidelines. Thus it is ensured that they
have proper knowledge and can perform their work correctly within the stipulated
guidelines. All the Vigilance Officers are being guided on case to case basis for ensuring
effective and timely conclusion of the cases being investigated by them. Monthly
Vigilance Review Meeting of all the Vigilance Officers with CVO in line of CVC’s
guidelines is also held for keeping a proper track of the cases. In order to remove the
bottlenecks in investigation the issues requiring higher deliberations is taken up with the
management individually as well as collectively through the Quarterly Vigilance Review
Meetings.
3. All the complaints received in Corporate Vigilance Department are perused by the Chief
Vigilance Officer and accordingly orders are given for verification/ detailed
investigation/ administrative action / or filing as deemed fit. The Complaints ordered for
verification/detailed investigation are normally regarding corrupt practices (demanding or
acceptance of bribe) / misuse of official position for private gain/doubtful integrity
related to the officials of AAI including stake holders. The complaints containing issues
having serious irregularities by AAI employees which are criminal in nature involving
external agencies are referred for investigation by CBI with the approval of Disciplinary
Authority. While handling the complaints CVC guidelines are followed and all the
anonymous/pseudonymous complaints are invariably filed.
4. On conclusion of investigation a Note is sent by the CVO to the Management,
recommending appropriate action viz.:- Departmental action under Major/Minor penalty,

37
 Administrative Action, Systemic Improvement, Closure etc. and the same is regularly
followed up with the concerned Disciplinary Authority for deciding logically. CVD
ensures that the Chargesheet/Memorandum, etc. is drafted properly and subsequent to
initiation of the Disciplinary proceedings a monthly meeting is held with ED(HR) to
remove bottle necks and provide them assistance if any for concluding the proceedings
timely i.e within the CVC stipulated time period. CVD also ensures that the First Stage
and Second Stage Advice of CVC is understood in spirit by the concerned DA and is
accordingly considered for implementation.
5. Apart from it, in its Proactive Preventive role, CVD carries out awareness campaigns
wherein it creates sensitivity towards day-to-day matters having scope for malpractices
and corruption. These campaigns includes Vigilance Awareness Week (VAW), which is
an yearly event and Vigilance Awareness programmes like workshops, Lectures,
Seminars etc. being conducted throughout the year at different locations to achieve the
objective of zero tolerance for corruption. CVD as a part of its proactive role urges
various key departments to codify their work procedures and revise their manuals for
bringing transparency at workplace and reducing the scope for discretion. CVD on the
basis of deliberations taking place in workshops and field inspections, make suggestions
to the management for systemic improvements on important issues.
6. CVD is also timely preparing the list of Officers of Doubtful Integrity as well as Agreed
lists in consultation with 30 branches of CBI and is ensuring that these officers are posted
to Non-sensitive positions.
29.1. The Committee takes note of the Vigilance mechanism existing in AAI and desires
that necessary periodic steps should be taken to strengthen the Vigilance mechanism in
AAI.
30. While deliberating upon the subject, the Members of the Committee raised various issues
related to some airports in the country. The reply of the Ministry regarding these issues are given
below:
Kolhapur airport
30.1. On the issue of providing night landing facility at Kolhapur airport, the Ministry has
mentioned that presently, night landing is not permitted at Kolhapur airport. AAI has applied to

38
DGCA for conversion of license of Kolhapur airport from Day VFR to IFR (All weather
operations) to enable night landing facility at the airport.
30.2. Regarding the feasibility of starting a pilot training academy and a maintenance Centre at
Kolhapur airport, the Ministry has underlined that:
a. The airstrip at Kolhapur Airport is approx. 5000 feet long and is suitable for setting up of
FTOs.
b. To operationalize any of the airfield for FTO purpose, any State Government or any
operator can apply to DGCA as per the laid down rules.
Thiruvananthapuram and Calicut airports
30.3. In respect of the future of the Thiruvananthapuram and Calicut airports, the Ministry has
submitted that the Trivandrum airport will be operated, maintained and developed by the
concessionaire in accordance the master plan prepared by concessionaire. In order to monitor the
performance of concessionaire, key performance indicators are defined in the concessionaire
agreement which concessionaire has to satisfy.
30.4. Regarding Privatization of Calicut Airport, it is submitted that Calicut airport is not being
considered in the next round of PPP transaction to be undertaken by AAI.
Patna Airport
30.5. In response to a query raised by the Standing Committee regarding shortage of CISF staff
at Patna airport, the Ministry has highlighted that the existing sanctioned strength of Patna
Airport is 343 and at present, the airport is operating at full strength. To meet the additional
number of flights after extension and modification of terminal building, a proposal for posting of
40 more CISF personnel’s under ISDP at Patna airport is under consideration in MHA.
Jewar and Navi Mumbai Airports
30.6. In respect of operationalization of Jewar and Navi Mumbai Airports, the Ministry has
stated that both Jewar and Navi Mumbai airports are being developed by the respective State
Governments i.e. Govt. of Uttar Pradesh (GoUP) and Govt. of Maharashtra (GoMh) under PPP
mode and have awarded the projects to PPP Concessionaires. The State Governments have set a
target to complete the construction work and operationalize both the airports during 2023-24.
Gondia, Amravati and Chandrapur airports
30.7. Regarding the plans of AAI for operations at the existing airports at Gondia & Amravati
and the upcoming airport at Chandrapur, the Ministry has stated that Gondia Airport is already

39
being used for Flying training by National Flying Training Institute (NFTI). All facilities are
available at airside and city side for commercial operation.
30.8. Also under UDAN 4.0, a bid for Gondia airport connecting Indore & Hyderabad is under
consideration.
30.9. Amravati & Chandrapur airports belong to the State Govt. and MADC is the nodal
agency for their operation and maintenance.
30.10. In addition, “Mumbai-Amravati-Mumbai” RCS route was awarded to M/s Alliance Air
under UDAN 3.0 and Amravati Airport is under upgradation by MADC.
Bihta airport
30.11. With regards to the status of the airport proposed at Bihta, AAI has proposed to develop
Bihta Airport at a cost of Rs.981 Crore to the Ministry of Civil Aviation for appraisal of Public
Investment Board. However, AAI has projected a demand of 191.5 acre land for runway
extension for accommodation of wide bodied aircraft. However, the response of State Govt. is
awaited in the matter.
30.12. The Committee takes note of the reply furnished by the Ministry on the issues raised
by the Members of the Committee. The Committee desires that the Ministry should take
appropriate and timely follow-up action, to ensure that the concerns raised by the
Members of the Committee are duly addressed.
Suggestions given by private airlines
31. A questionnaire on the Subject was forwarded to the private airlines and their written
replies were obtained. The private airlines, in their written replies furnished to the Committee,
have made the following suggestions:-
(i) Go Air
a. AAI should start creating HUBS at tier 2 airports and create good transfer facilities
for quick turnaround.
b. More aerobridges, ideally internationally, its appx 95% aerobridge boardings for all
flights.
c. Watch hours should be 24 x 7, especially at diversion airfields saving huge fuel costs
to airlines.
d. More night parking’s to be created.
(ii) Indigo Airlines

40
 Currently, Indian LCCs offer the bulk of capacity on domestic routes, and also a
significant amount of capacity on international routes to/from India. However, in order to
leverage their networks, Indian LCCs need integrated domestic-cum-international
terminals at all major airports in India viz,. Delhi, Mumbai, as well as other cities in
India. We suggest that all ongoing development such as redevelopment of T1 at Delhi as
well as all future international airport development in India plan for such integrated
terminals. At the same time, the focus should be on keeping costs as low as possible, so
as to enable Indian carriers to compete with global carriers.
(iii) Air Vistara
New Green Field Airports may be planned a decade in advance based on anticipated
demand. Existing airports’ infrastructure may be similarly upgraded with 5 to 10 years
advanced planning. Airport operating procedures to be in line with best international
practices. Costs to Airlines like landing/parking charges or other aeronautical levies must
be closely monitored and kept to the minimum levels in order not to burden passengers
with undue fares and to ensure viability of airlines.
(iv) Air Asia
a. Establish Parallel RWYs (Runway) and adequate RETs (Rapid Exit Taxiways).
b. Airlines can be given a Native DCS (Departure Control System) option and not be
bound to use CUTE (Common User Terminal Exchange) system which has
significantly higher price.
c. ACDM (Airport Collaboration Decision Making) must be made available.
d. Disabled Aircraft removal kit must be provided at all airports.
e. Adequate Ramp/ Apron facilities including staff amenities must be provided.
f. Transparency in post door closure clearance by ATS (Air Traffic Services).
g. Proper place for Cargo Booking and Delivery, not in some nook and corner.
h. Single token ID or Health passes to be initiated.
i. Look at ways to reduce SHA (Security Hold Area), ATC, Terminal building and
airport Approach Road Congestions.
j. Relaxation of Stringent Airport Environment and Streamlining of Multiple
checkpoints.

41
 k. Airports may have the concept of AOCC (Airports Operations Control Centre) at
all airports.
l. World Class Passenger Amenities to be available at all airports.
(v) Spice Jet
a. Access to the Airport- Expressway, metro connectivity, public transport till airport
b. Interconnected terminals
c. Provision of assistance/assistive devices by airport operators for passengers with
disability and reduced mobility
d. Assistive aeronautical equipment /systems eg., ILS at all airports where weather and
environmental issues persist
e. Introduction of Inline screening at more airports.
f. Reduction of screening time at SHA through an automated resource augmentation.
g. Augmentation of passengers transfer management at departure and arrival.
h. Airport signage may be more visible as per international standards
i. User-friendly self-check-in and baggage drop.
j. Biometric access controls for staff
k. Staff welfare resources- Rest areas, cafeteria etc.- Most airports lack these amenities
making airport non-employee friendly
l. Automation and use of technology like E gates etc.
m. Free Wi-Fi to passengers and Link-based flight information system visible through
passenger mobile phones
n. Voice command based information help desk
31.1. The Committee recommends that the Ministry should take note of the above-
mentioned suggestions given by the private airlines and take concrete steps to ensure that
they are implemented timely, so that the Civil Aviation sector is benefitted by the same.
The Committee should be apprised of the specific action taken in this regard.
Aero Club of India
32. The Aero Club of India (ACI) was established in 1927. It is one of the oldest
organizations in the world, in the field of Aviation. The Aero Club of India which was erstwhile
‘Royal Aero Club of India and Burma Ltd.’, was responsible for issuing flying licenses to pilots;
to approve certified flight instructors; and to issue licenses for arms and wireless facilities to

42
foreign aviators, during the pre-independence days. Two former Prime Ministers of the country
have had an opportunity to be the President of Aero Club of India. Post independence, the Aero
Club of India had the financial support of Government of India and has been budgeted several
times to carry on the activities of Flying Training and also the promotion of Air Sports. The
building of Aero Club of India was initially allotted by the Ministry of Tourism. Then, the
National Airports Authority of India was created and thereafter, the Airports Authority of India.
The land and assets of Safdarjung Airport were transferred to the Airports Authority of India. It
is pertinent to note that the building of Aero Club of India which was on a leased space for a
period of 33 years, was made by the funds of Aero Club of India itself. The Aero Club of India
had formally requested the Airports Authority of India and the Ministry of Civil Aviation to
extend the lease which came to end in the year 2013. However, no decision was taken on the
extension of land lease of Aero Club of India and after a period of 3 years, it was informed that
Aero Club of India should be evicted since it did not get the formal approval of the Board of
Airports Authority of India. Market rent was imposed on Aero Club of India after the lease
ended; thereafter eviction proceeding was initiated; fine was imposed on Aero Club of India; and
subsequently, Aero Club of India was evicted. The Committee takes note that the Aero Club
of India is an arm of the Government and the action taken by Airports Authority of India
has created disruption in the functioning of Aero Club of India. The Committee strongly
recommends that Airports Authority of India should waive off the penalty and restore the
original status of ACI building to Aero Club of India.
Statutory provisions/ guidelines
33. The Committee impresses upon the Ministry, the imperative need to ensure that the
recommendations made by the Committee are given serious thought and deliberation; and
due consideration should be given to the facts and the issues involved therein. Therefore, it
is necessary that all possible steps are taken to ensure that they are implemented in letter
and spirit, within a designated time frame. Further, the Committee recommends that the
statutory provisions/ guidelines, wherever needed and necessary for the implementation of
the recommendations, should be formulated by the Ministry without any delay. The
Committee desires that in case of any difficulty/ problems faced by the Ministry in the
implementation of the recommendations, the Committee may be apprised thereof.
***

43
 RECOMMENDATIONS/ OBSERVATIONS AT A GLANCE

Air Traffic Services

The Committee is of the considered opinion that keeping in view the exponential air traffic
growth witnessed in the country in the past few years, it is essential that best international
practices as regards the Air Navigation Services are adopted and implemented in the
country. The Committee strongly feels that a futuristic Master Plan for Air Navigation
Services is inevitable so that substantial benefits are accrued to all the stakeholders. The
Committee emphasizes the need to ensure strict adherence to the international standards of
safety and security. The Committee recommends that the Ministry should ensure that steps
should be taken to upgrade the ANS facilities and procedures and to give due emphasis on
research, development and training.
(Para 9.3.)
The Committee is disturbed to note that considerable delay in flight operations and
cancellation of flights occur at various airports, due to non-availability of CAT-II or CAT-
III facility. The Committee takes serious note of the inconvenience and delays faced by the
flyers and international & domestic tourists, due to the dearth of requisite navigation
technology at the airports. The Committee fails to understand the reason behind non-
installation of CAT-II/ CAT-III facilities in all airports in the country, in the present age of
modern technology. The Committee recommends that the Ministry should ensure that the
upgration of air navigation infrastructure in the country should be given utmost priority
and that the navigation facilities should be kept in line with international standards.
(Para 9.5.)
The Committee emphasizes the imminent need to employ modern technologically advanced
navigation aids and facilities at all airports in the country. The Ministry should urgently
chalk out an Action Plan to operate CAT-II/III(B) ILS in all airports, in a fixed time bound
manner.
(Para 9.6.)
The Committee hopes that Modernization of Military Airfields (MAFI) project which is a
turn key project, would enhance the operational capability, by facilitating air operations of
civilian aircrafts, even in poor visibility and adverse weather conditions, while enhancing

44
aerospace safety. The Committee observes that MAFI project of the Indian Air Force
should decide and cull out those activities which are primarily navigational equipment
including approach landing systems, PAPI runway lights, threshold lights, instruments
and equipment etc., where AAI/ATS have a unique advantage, as they have been handling
these systems across the country, for over seven decades. Domestic civil aviation safety is
the primary responsibility of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, DGCA and AAI. The
utilization of these navigational aids/approach landing systems/equipment etc., which have
been installed across the country, is primarily done by the AAI, which has domain
knowledge. They are also familiar with the quality procurement processes, maintenance
and operational requirements of these instruments which they have been using for Civil
operations for over fifty years. The Committee recommends that a High Level Committee
may be created with the Indian Air Force to cull out those activities related to navigation
and landing facilities which are, primarily, in the domain knowledge, with the AAI for
Civil operations. The Committee recommends that apart from this, the development of the
rest of the infrastructure planned under the MAFI scheme may continue as envisaged,
for a greater synergy between civil aviation requirements and operational requirements of
Indian Air Force.
(Para 9.7.)
The Committee recommends that a High Powered Committee should be constituted both
for flexi air space management and issues related to Civil Enclaves to address these issues
comprehensively.
(Para 9.8.)
Development, Upgradation and Modernization of Airports
Airports play a vital role in the economic growth of the country since they open the doors
for tourism and trade. Despite India being the world’s fastest growing aviation market, its
airports are grappling with serious capacity constraints because such a quick pace of
growth in the aviation sector has resulted in a strain on the aviation infrastructure,
resulting in traffic congestions and delays at many of the airports. If a high growth rate in
civil aviation sector is to be sustained, it is imperative that urgent steps should be taken to
augment and modernize India’s aviation infrastructure.
(Para 10.6.)

45
The Committee underscores the fact that our airports should be developed in such a way
that they emerge as symbols of national pride. The Committee highlights the urgent need to
successfully manage the demand vs. traffic capacity of airports. The Committee urges upon
the Ministry to develop a comprehensive, strategic and futuristic Master Plan for
implementation of projects to provide world class airport infrastructure, by bringing in
cutting edge technology and the global best practices of the aviation industry. The
Committee desires that the Ministry should address not only the existing capacity
constraints in various airports, but also address infrastructural requirements in the context
of growth scenario forecast for the next decade. The Committee emphasizes the need for
the removal of the existing bottlenecks in order to enable the aviation infrastructure to
keep up with the growing demand in the Civil Aviation sector. Further, it should be strictly
ensured that the development/upgradation of airport projects are completed as per the
prescribed timelines.
(Para 10.7.)
The Committee underlines the need for a well chalked out Master Plan with regard to
aviation infrastructure, in order to ensure that the requirements of the growth in the civil
aviation sector are properly catered to. The Committee urges the Ministry to ensure that
adequate parking space and landing slots are available at the airports.
(Para 10.8.)
The Committee notes that potential growth in the passenger and cargo traffic would
require enormous investments in terms of construction of new airports and expansion &
modernization of existing airports. The Committee understands that lenders are cautious
about issuing long-term debt to airport operators. The Committee, therefore, would like
the Ministry to formulate necessary policies, schemes and guidelines, to attract the
requisite investment for airport projects.
(Para 10.9.)
The Committee desires that the Ministry should ensure that amenities which match up to
international standards are available at all the airports and that periodic maintenance is
carried out efficiently. The Committee recommends that the Ministry should ensure
sufficient space for commercial shops, while granting approval for new airports. The
Committee recommends that the Ministry should consider mandatorily earmarking

46
minimum 100 acres of land, while making plans for future airports. Further, 5 Star/3 Star
hotels and multiplexes should be constructed near the new airports. The Committee also
desires that extra land, if any, that has been allocated for the airports should not be sold
and should be kept for future aviation developmental activities.
(Para 10.10.)
The Committee takes cognizance of the fact that there is a need to look at the entire
mechanism of development of airports and the way the airport concessions are given. At
present, the rights to operate airports are given to individuals or entities who bid the
highest with the Airports Authority of India. When those services are given to the highest
bidder, the highest bidder charges the highest amount of money from the airlines, which
has little or no bearing on the actual cost of the service. The Committee, therefore,
recommends that the Ministry should seriously look into these issues and take urgent steps
to ensure that such anomalies are rectified.
(Para 10.11.)
The Committee has been given to understand that large number of institutional clearances
are required for airport projects, which leads to delays and cost escalation. Therefore, the
Committee recommends in this regard that the Ministry should set up a single-window
clearance mechanism in order to facilitate timely grant of institutional clearances for
airport projects and ensure completion of such projects within the stipulated time period.
(Para 10.12.)
Privatization of Airports
The Committee realizes the huge demand for more airports in the country. The Committee
recognizes the fact that it is not feasible for AAI to meet the investment requirements to
develop and maintain all the airports in the country. The Committee appreciates the
inevitable need for Public Private Partnership in the development and maintenance of
airports. The Committee endorses the provisions proposed in the Airports Economic
Regulatory Authority of India (Amendment) Bill, 2021 which would facilitate the
development of both high traffic volume and low traffic volume airports together, in a
holistic manner.
(Para 11.10.)

47
The Committee emphasizes the need to ensure absolute transparency in all PPP airport
projects. The Committee desires that the Ministry should ensure that a proper policy and
regulatory framework governing the PPP airport projects, is put in place. The Committee
underlines the need to ensure a proper auditing mechanism with regard to PPP projects.
The Committee strongly recommends that the Ministry should ensure that the airport
charges on the passengers are equitable and commensurate with the operational costs.
(Para 11.11.)
The Committee desires that the Ministry should ensure that the career interests of the
employees of AAI are protected in case of privatization of airports.
(Para 11.12.)
UDAN Scheme
The Committee takes note of the growing demand for regional air services, which would
make it possible for our country to emerge as a major player in the aviation industry. The
Committee feels that UDAN Scheme will help in relieving the congestion at major airports
and enable us to develop the much needed hub-and-spoke mechanism. The Committee
notes that although the airlines industry got a huge fillip with the launch of RCS, air
connectivity in the country is largely confined to routes connecting State capitals and large
towns; and many parts of the country still remain unconnected by air services. Therefore,
the Committee recommends that the Ministry of Civil Aviation should take urgent effective
steps to ensure adequate air connectivity in different parts of the country under RCS. The
Committee also desires that the benefits under the Regional Connectivity Scheme,
currently restricted to three years, should be extended by another two years, to give
airlines an opportunity to transform a fledgling route into a strong and revenue-generating
one.
(Para 12.2.)
The Committee urges upon the Ministry to closely and meticulously, monitor the
implementation and impact of the UDAN Scheme and formulate plans and guidelines to
ensure that the benefits of the Scheme actually reach the passengers, as per the spirit of the
Scheme.
(Para 12.3.)

48
The Committee observes that direct air connectivity to tourist destinations and cultural
sites in the country can massively promote the tourism industry which will lead to
generation of more employment opportunities and faster economic growth. The
Committee, therefore, observes that there is an imperative need for close co-ordination
between the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and the Ministries of Tourism & Culture, in
matters regarding air connectivity to important tourist destinations and cultural sites in the
country. Hence, the Committee recommends the Ministry of Civil Aviation, to work in
tandem with the Ministries of Culture and Tourism, who are vital stakeholders in this
regard.
(Para 12.4.)
The Committee desires that the Ministry should examine the reasons for non-
commencement of the awarded routes; identify the bottlenecks in this regard; and chalk
out strategic steps to timely address the issues involved.
(Para 12.5.1.)
The Committee understands that there are many non-operational airstrips/airports owned
by AAI and State Governments. The Committee is of the view that operationalizing these
inactive AAI and State Government airstrips will ease out the pressure currently prevailing
on the airport infrastructure in the country. The Committee recommends that unused
airstrips and dormant airports should be utilized for promoting regional/remote areas air
connectivity under RCS.
(Para 12.6.)
The Committee takes note of the issues related to lack of adequate infrastructure of
airports due to non-availability of land, delay related to compliance of the regulations by
the airport operators, lack of road connectivity to the airports etc., that need to be
addressed on priority. The Committee recommends that the Ministry should take urgent
remedial steps to address these vital concerns. The Committee also notes that support from
the State Governments in the shape of multimodal connectivity, utilities, land availability,
security etc. are critical to the promotion of regional air connectivity under RCS. The
Committee would, therefore, like to urge upon the Ministry of Civil Aviation to impress
upon the State Governments, to form a dedicated mechanism mandated to offer one-stop

49
solutions to airline and airport operators, with the objective of promoting regional air
connectivity under RCS.
(Para 12.7.)
Development of Cargo Sector
The Committee recognizes the fact that India’s strategic geographical location, swelling
economy and the growth registered in international & domestic trade in the last decade are
congenial to the growth in the air cargo sector. The Committee is disappointed to note that
despite these advantages, India has not fully realized its potential in terms of air cargo. The
Committee realizes the sad fact that inadequate infrastructure is a major bottleneck in
developing the country’s air cargo sector. The Committee, therefore, recommends that the
Ministry should take effective steps to establish dedicated cargo airports in the country and
to provide requisite facilities for the enhancement of air cargo facilities, while setting up
new airports.
(Para 13.7.)
Since automation is crucial for an efficient air freight mechanism, the Committee
recommends that the Ministry, in co-ordination with the stakeholders, should take effective
steps to automate information systems and to streamline/ simplify the respective processes
and regulations for faster, transparent and seamless movement of air cargo.
(Para 13.8.)
The Committee takes serious note of the fact that due to the Open Sky Policy for cargo in
India, foreign carriers carry 90%- 95% of the international cargo, to and from India, while
Indian air cargo operators face many barriers when they go into other countries. The
Committee, therefore, recommends that in order to provide a level playing field for Indian
air cargo operators, the Ministry of Civil Aviation should make appropriate changes in the
Open Sky Policy for cargo. The Committee also recommends that Ministry/DGCA should
take note of Indian cargo operators facing discriminatory and restrictive practices or
regulatory impediments in operating international cargo flights in any of the foreign
countries and take urgent steps to address/resolve them. The Committee may be apprised
of the action taken and the outcome achieved in this regard.
(Para 13.9.)

50
The Committee reiterates its recommendation made in its 293 rd Report that the Ministry
should take timely action to address the issues of congestion at the entry of terminal,
inadequate screening, inadequate storage space, lack of temperature facility etc. at the
cargo terminals. The Committee also recommends that the Ministry should take steps to
ensure that attractive and uniform transit handling costs and procedures are implemented
across all airports in the country.
(Para 13.10.)
Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) infrastructure
The Committee observes that there has been a tremendous growth in the MRO
opportunities that can be exploited by our country, enabled due to the rapid growth in the
Civil Aviation sector witnessed in the recent past. India has huge potential to be an MRO
hub which can accommodate the growing Civil Aviation needs of the country and also
other countries. Aircraft MRO services are critical in the aviation value chain and it would
be of a huge loss for the country, if we do not tap the vast technical and skill personnel
available in this field in the country. However, the Committee is disappointed to note that
the country has not yet been able to fully exploit the opportunities available in this sector.
(Para 14.2.)
The Committee understands that a major deterrent for the growth of the MRO industry is
high taxation of MRO components. The Committee strongly recommends that the Ministry
should give necessary focus on the issues presently faced in the MRO sector in order to
ensure that India evolves into a key international player in offering MRO facilities. The
Committee recommends that the Ministry should take necessary steps to ensure that MRO
workshops are set up in all the metro cities in the country, in order to attract international
business. The Committee also emphasizes the need for enhanced collaboration between
defence and civil MROs.
(Para 14.3.)
Pilot Training Institutes
The Committee emphasizes the imperative need to make available, state-of-the-art facilities
for the training of professionals in the aviation sector. Keeping in view the rapid growth in
the Indian aviation industry and shortage of pilots faced in India, the Committee
recommends that the Ministry should set up new Institutes for Pilot Training and to

51
revamp the existing ones by providing modern simulators and also augment the capacity
intake of students in the existing Institutes. The Committee recommends that the Ministry
should envisage setting up of Pilot Training Institute adjacent to the airport, at least in one
airport, in each State. The Committee strongly recommends that the training facilities
offered to the various technical professionals in the Civil Aviation sector, such as pilots,
ATC controllers, technicians, safety inspectors and engineers should match up with
standardized international training facilities. The Ministry should also take necessary steps
to ensure that sufficient number of trainers are made available, by offering incentives
which would attract them to this field.
(Para 15.1.)
Pollution Control
The Committee appreciates the steps taken by AAI to reduce Carbon footprints and
desires that AAI should update its pollution control methods to meet international best
practices in this regard.
(Para 16.10.)
COVID-19 Pandemic
The Committee appreciates the public safety measures adopted by the Ministry of Civil
Aviation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Committee desires that the Ministry should
ensure that such measures are periodically updated in tune with international best
practices in this regard.
(Para 17.1.)
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
The Committee is well aware of the fact that the aviation sector has been badly hit by the
COVID-19 pandemic. The Committee understands that the adverse effect of the COVID-19
pandemic on the airlines operating in the country, which were already reeling under heavy
losses, was unprecedented. The Committee recommends that the Ministry should adopt
relief measures to help the airlines tide over the adverse impact of the pandemic and that
the Ministry should envisage immediate and long term measures, to enable the resurgence
of the airlines in the country.
(Para 18.5.)

52
The Committee desires that the Ministry should take necessary steps to ensure short term
waiver or short term put off, in terms of aviation charges, for sustaining a viable aviation
industry. The Committee is of the view that all airlines and aviation-related business must
be treated as priority sector lending. The Committee reiterates the recommendation made
in its 293rd Report that the Ministry should provide a sectoral fund, which is professionally
managed and which can provide structured debt to the airlines industry.
(Para 18.6.)
Training Courses conducted by AAI
The Committee underlines the need for providing training courses to upgrade the skills of
the employees of AAI. The Committee desires that the Ministry should ensure that the
training courses conducted by AAI match up to international standards and that they are
tailor made to suit the requirements of the Civil Aviation sector.
(Para 19.1.)
Vacancies in AAI
The Committee takes serious note of the vacancies existing in AAI at various levels. The
Committee strongly feels that a vital organization such as AAI cannot afford to have so
many vacancies. The Committee is especially perturbed to note the number of vacancies in
the post of ATCOs. The Committee is apprehensive that such a situation will adversely
affect the work output of ATCOs by putting them under immense stress, thereby,
compromising the safety of flight operations. The Committee recommends that the
Ministry should take urgent concrete steps to fill up the vacancies existing in AAI.
(Para 21.3.)
The Committee desires that the Ministry may furnish the reasons therefor, to the
Committee, in its Action Taken Report.
(Para 21.4.)
The Committee desires that the Ministry may furnish the reasons therefor, to the
Committee, in its Action Taken Report.
(Para 21.5.)
The Committee is eager to know about the reasons for such abolition of posts and the
impact thereof, on the functioning of the organization. The Committee desires that this
information may be furnished by the Ministry in its Action Taken Report.

53
 (Para 21.6.)
Digi Yatra
The Committee hopes that Digi Yatra will enable seamless and paperless journey for the
air travelers in the country. The Committee desires that the Ministry should implement
more such initiatives which would benefit the passengers.
(Para 22.3.)
Digital Sky
The Committee appreciates this initiative of the Ministry. The Committee hopes that
Digital Sky would turn out to be beneficial to the drone ecosystem in the country.
(Para 23.3.)
Air Sewa
While appreciating the initiative of the Ministry, the Committee recommends that the
Ministry should ensure that the grievances of passengers are addressed effectively in a
time-bound manner. The Committee desires that the Air Sewa Platform should be
upgraded periodically, so that it fulfills the dynamic requirements of the air passengers.
The Committee underlines the need for formulating the desired SOP for the purpose.
(Para 24.4.)
Making Airports Accessible to all under the ‘Accessible India Campaign’
The Committee appreciates the sensitivity and empathy shown by the Ministry, towards
the genuine needs and concerns of the differently abled people. The Committee exhorts the
Ministry to take similar steps to ensure a barrier free and conducive travel environment
for differently abled people.
(Para 25.1.)
Optimal Utilization of Airspace
The Committee understands that India’s airspace is very complex and that it gives rise to
many challenges. One such challenge is ensuring optimal usage of the airspace, which
requires comprehensive planning and management. The Committee appreciates the steps
taken by AAI to ensure optimal use of airspace. The Committee hopes that the optimal
utilization of Indian airspace will lead to reduction in flight time, fuel consumption and
carbon emission. The Committee desires that the Ministry should explore more effective
steps in this direction and implement the same.

54
 (Para 26.2.)
The Committee would like to know the actual details of savings of the targeted 1000 crores
by rationalization in the flexi air space. The Committee recommends that a High Level
Committee should be constituted by including stakeholders such as Airlines, Air Traffic
Controllers i.e., Airports Authority of India and that a comprehensive exercise should be
done in this regard. Also, a Road Map should be formulated for negotiation with the Indian
Air Force, in order to achieve the targeted savings.
(Para 26.3.)
Seaplane Operations
The Committee recognizes the immense potential available for seaplanes operations in the
country. However, it is disappointing to note that such potential has not yet been exploited
fully. The seaplane services will hopefully revolutionize the nation’s regional connectivity.
The Committee takes note of the steps taken by the Ministry to encourage seaplane
operations. The Committee recommends that the Government should put in place,
requisite policies and infrastructure, in order to enable more seaplane operations in India.
The Committee desires that the Ministry should ensure that the necessary amenities
keeping up with international standards for seaplane operations, such as terminal
buildings, facilitation counters, check-in counters, modern ticketing methods, food
counters, motels, shopping facilities etc. are provided, for the smooth operation of
seaplanes. The Committee also underlines the urgent need to formulate a ‘Seaplane Policy’.
(Para 27.5.)
Helicopter operations
The Committee is of the considered view that much more attention needs to be given to
helicopter operations in the country. The Committee reiterates its recommendation in its
293rd Report that the Ministry should address the issues of proper maintenance of
helicopters, replacement of aged helicopters and training of the crew, on priority basis. The
Committee emphasizes the need for simulator module training for helicopter pilots for
offshore landing. The Committee recommends that the Ministry should take urgent steps
to ensure a network of heliports, in order to give necessary boost to the helicopter
operations in the country. The Committee underlines the need for greater co-operation
between the Ministry and State Governments for building heliports in the country.

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 (Para 27.A.1.)
Adequate connectivity of airports with roads and railways
The Committee emphasizes the invariable need to ensure that requisite synergy is achieved
between/amongst the concerned Ministries/Departments, in order to make certain that
airports are well connected with other means of transport such as road and railways, so
that tourists/flyers reach their destinations, from the airports, in a smooth and safe
manner. Further, the Ministry should collaborate with the State Governments and other
stakeholders to ensure that adequate road and rail connectivity is available from the
airports.
(Para 28.1.)
Cancellation or delaying of flights
The Committee takes serious note of the inconvenience and trouble caused to the
passengers in the event of rescheduling or cancellation of flights. The Committee
recommends that the Ministry should ensure that necessary assistance should be given to
the air travelers, in case of rescheduling/ cancellation of flight or missing connecting flight.
The Committee strongly recommends that designated holding area should be provided at
all airports to accommodate passengers who are stranded at the airport due to either of the
above mentioned event. The Committee impresses upon the Ministry to urge upon the
airlines to make sure that facilities such as food, water, medical help and accommodation
are available to stranded passengers. The Committee impresses upon the Ministry to
ensure that its guidelines in this regard are scrupulously adhered to by the airlines.
(Para 28.A.1.)
Vigilance Mechanism
The Committee takes note of the Vigilance mechanism existing in AAI and desires that
necessary periodic steps should be taken to strengthen the Vigilance mechanism in AAI.
(Para 29.1.)
The Committee takes note of the reply furnished by the Ministry on the issues raised by the
Members of the Committee. The Committee desires that the Ministry should take
appropriate and timely follow-up action, to ensure that the concerns raised by the
Members of the Committee are duly addressed.
(Para 30.12.)

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Suggestions given by private airlines
The Committee recommends that the Ministry should take note of the above-mentioned
suggestions given by the private airlines and take concrete steps to ensure that they are
implemented timely, so that the Civil Aviation sector is benefitted by the same. The
Committee should be apprised of the specific action taken in this regard.
(Para 31.1.)
Aero Club of India
The Committee takes note that the Aero Club of India is an arm of the Government and
the action taken by Airports Authority of India has created disruption in the functioning of
Aero Club of India. The Committee strongly recommends that Airports Authority of India
should waive off the penalty and restore the original status of ACI building to Aero Club of
India.
(Para 32.)
Statutory provisions/ guidelines
The Committee impresses upon the Ministry, the imperative need to ensure that the
recommendations made by the Committee are given serious thought and deliberation; and
due consideration should be given to the facts and the issues involved therein. Therefore, it
is necessary that all possible steps are taken to ensure that they are implemented in letter
and spirit, within a designated time frame. Further, the Committee recommends that the
statutory provisions/ guidelines, wherever needed and necessary for the implementation of
the recommendations, should be formulated by the Ministry without any delay. The
Committee desires that in case of any difficulty/ problems faced by the Ministry in the
implementation of the recommendations, the Committee may be apprised thereof.
(Para 33.)
***

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