AAI Increases Spending on Airport Repairs by 20%

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has increased its expenditure on repairs and maintenance by nearly 20% to Rs 796 crore for 101 airports in the last fiscal year. This consistent rise in spending addresses concerns about structural stability and safety at various airports, driven by instances of canopy collapses and other infrastructural issues.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) significantly increased its expenditure on repair and maintenance work for 101 airports, reaching Rs 796 crore in the last financial year, a nearly 20% rise from the previous year, according to official data.

Since fiscal 2021-22, AAI's spending on these activities has been on an upward trajectory, highlighting ongoing concerns about airport infrastructure. The rise in expenditure comes amid various incidents, such as the collapse of the forecourt canopy at Delhi airport's Terminal 1D and damage to canopy structures at Jabalpur and Rajkot airports.

In response to these incidents, the Civil Aviation Ministry has mandated third-party audits and thorough evaluations of civil, electrical, and technical aspects of airport buildings. AAI and its PPP partners have also scheduled a capital expenditure exceeding Rs 91,000 crore for substantial airport development and modernization projects through 2024-25.