AAI clarification on licensing of Airports

Traditionally, the airports in India were managed by the Central Government i.e. DGCA following the established international safety standards and hence no need was felt for their licensing. These airports were handed over to National Airports Authority in 1986 and subsequently to Airports Authority of India.

However, with the advent of private airport operators Govt. of India felt the requirement of Aerodrome licensing for all airports in order to maintain the required safety standards. Accordingly a Gazette notification was issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in year 2005 and Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) on “Requirements for issue of an Aerodrome License” was issued by DGCA in October, 2006.

Thereafter, Airports Authority of India, initiated the process of obtaining Aerodrome License. AAI has so far applied for issuance of aerodrome license (new/renewal) for 40 Airports out of which licenses for some Airports have been issued and others are under process by DGCA.

The process of Aerodrome Licensing involves voluminous documentation, coordination with various internal & external agencies and validation by the regulatory authority and thus it is a time consuming process.

Since airports have been built and operated strictly as per ICAO SARPS (standards and recommended practices), there is no compromise from operations point of view. However, improvement is a continuous process. In order to fulfil the requirements, AAI has initiated the process for licensing of all operational airports in a time bound manner.

MC/SH