Airports Authority of India Marks 30th Anniversary with Grand Celebration
New Delhi [India], April 2 (ANI): The Airports Authority of India (AAI) marked its 30th Annual Day on April 1 with immense zeal and splendor at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, commemorating thirty years of outstanding service as the backbone of Indian Civil Aviation.
The festivities commenced with a cordial greeting from Vipin Kumar, Chairman of AAI, who underscored the organization's accomplishments and dedication to advancing India’s aviation sector, in line with the vision of ' Viksit Bharat 2047 .'
Kumar praised the commitment of AAI’s staff and highlighted India’s position as the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market. This achievement comes with an increase in functional airports from 74 to 159 over the last ten years. Noting that 75 AAI-run airports now operate entirely on renewable energy, Kumar underscored AAI’s contribution to sustainability. Additionally, he commended the AAI community for achieving record-breaking profits totaling Rs6,711 crore during fiscal year 2024-25.
When speaking to the assembly, the Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu commended AAI's crucial contribution to nation-building and emphasized AAI's capital expenditure plan of Rs 25,000 crore for the period from FY 2024 to 2029 aimed at addressing increasing air travel needs. The announcement included plans to construct 50 additional airports over the coming half-decade, thereby bolstering India’s position in international aviation.
He highlighted innovative programs such as RCS-UDAN, SUGAM, DigiYatra, and UdanYatri Cafe, underscoring the administration’s dedication to enhancing accessibility, efficiency, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability within the aviation sector.
A major highlight of the event was the honoring of AAI's Prayagraj Airport Team for their outstanding efforts towards smooth and effective functioning throughout the MahaKumbh 2025 event.
Naidu recognized their commitment and relentless work in handling the higher number of visitors at the airport during MahaKumbh gracefully. Furthermore, the distinguished guests launched the AAI Commercial Manual 2025, which symbolizes an important advancement toward improving AAI’s business operations and enhancing service provision.
Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary at MoCA, extended congratulations to AAI for reaching three decades of distinguished service and praised the committed workforce of AAI for driving advancements in aviation through innovative technology and the enhancement of airport facilities.
In the cultural part of the event, attendees were treated to an enchanting Ganesh Vandana and a captivating dance presentation by the well-known 'Sadhya' dance troupe, succeeded by an energetic folk dance routine performed by artists hailing from northeastern regions, highlighting the extensive cultural mosaic of India.
Subsequently, the stage witnessed an impressive musical performance by renowned playback singer Shreya Ghoshal, captivating the audience completely.
The event came to an end with Dr H Srinivas, Member (HR), delivering a Vote of Thanks. He expressed his appreciation and gratitude towards the dignitaries, AAI staff members, and everyone else who played a part in making the celebration successful.
For over three decades, AAI continues to uphold its commitment to enhancing and updating India’s aviation facilities, aiming to provide secure, effective, and top-tier service for travelers and partners. (ANI)