AAI Member (Operations) Recruitment 2026: Ministry of Civil Aviation Invites Applications for Prestigious Board-Level Post

AAI Member Operations Vacancy 2026 Out, Check Eligibility, Salary, Experience and Application Process

The Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, has released Advertisement No. 01/2026 for the selection of Member (Operations) in the Airports Authority of India (AAI) through the Search-cum-Selection Committee (SCSC) mode. This is a prestigious board-level opportunity in one of India's most important aviation organizations and is intended for highly experienced professionals from public sector enterprises, government services, financial institutions, autonomous bodies, and eligible private-sector organizations.

The Member (Operations) position is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing airport operations, infrastructure maintenance, airport facilitation services, safety management, rescue services, logistics support, and modernization initiatives across AAI's extensive aviation network.

About Airports Authority of India (AAI)

Airports Authority of India came into existence on 1 April 1995 through the merger of the erstwhile International Airports Authority of India and National Airports Authority. AAI functions as a statutory authority under the Airports Authority of India Act, 1994 and is responsible for the development, expansion, modernization, maintenance, and management of airports and air navigation services across the country.

AAI is a Schedule 'A' Miniratna Category-I Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. As of 01 April 2026, the organization had 15,739 regular employees, including 10,498 executives and 5,241 non-executives, with 100% Government of India ownership.

AAI Member (Operations) Recruitment 2026 Overview

Important Dates

Applications received after the prescribed deadline or incomplete applications will not be considered by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

Role and Responsibilities of Member (Operations)

The Member (Operations) serves as a member of the Board of Directors and reports directly to the Chairperson of Airports Authority of India. The position carries significant responsibility in ensuring efficient airport operations and infrastructure management across India's aviation network.

Key responsibilities include:

• Airport management and operational oversight.
• Airport facilitation and IT services.
• Maintenance and upkeep of airport infrastructure.
• Safety and rescue service management.
• Logistics support and coordination activities.
• Security-related operational functions.
• Promotion of indigenous solutions under the Atma Nirbhar initiative.
• Strategic operational planning and implementation.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates applying for the Member (Operations) position must satisfy strict educational, professional, and experience-related requirements laid down by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

Age Requirement

Applicants must be at least 45 years of age and should have a minimum residual service of three years from the date of advertisement with reference to the superannuation age of 60 years.

Educational Qualification

Candidates should possess an Engineering Degree or Science Degree with a good academic record from a recognized university or institute. Candidates holding an MBA qualification will have an added advantage during the selection process.

Professional Experience

Applicants must possess at least 10 years of senior management-level experience in technical, operational, large-scale infrastructure management, or logistics functions within a reputed organization.

Preference will be given to candidates having five years of experience in the aviation sector during the last ten years.

Who Can Apply?

The vacancy has been opened to experienced professionals from multiple sectors. Eligible candidates may belong to:

• Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs).
• Central Government Group 'A' Services.
• Armed Forces of the Union.
• All India Services.
• Public Sector Banks.
• Financial Institutions.
• Autonomous Bodies.
• State Public Sector Enterprises with turnover of ₹2,000 crore or more.
• Eligible Private Sector Companies.
• Joint Ventures and Cooperative Federations meeting prescribed criteria.

For private-sector candidates, preference will be given to applicants from listed companies.

Pay Scale and Benefits

The Member (Operations) position carries a board-level Industrial Dearness Allowance (IDA) pay scale of ₹1,80,000 to ₹3,40,000. This compensation structure reflects the strategic importance and leadership responsibilities associated with the role.

Duration of Appointment

The selected candidate will be appointed for a period of five years from the date of joining or until the date of superannuation or until further orders, whichever occurs earlier.

Application Submission Process

Applications must be submitted only in the prescribed format through the appropriate forwarding authority, wherever applicable. Different submission channels have been specified for candidates from CPSEs, Government departments, Public Sector Banks, Autonomous Bodies, State PSUs, and private organizations.

Private-sector candidates are required to submit additional supporting documents, including company annual reports, listing status proof, board-level experience details, qualification certificates, and records of relevant assignments handled during their careers.

Selection Process

The appointment will be made through the Search-cum-Selection Committee (SCSC) mechanism. The Ministry of Civil Aviation reserves the right to shortlist candidates for interviews in accordance with applicable government guidelines.

Candidates must provide an undertaking confirming their willingness to join the post if selected. The advertisement also contains debarment provisions for applicants who withdraw after interview or offer of appointment stages.

Why This Recruitment Is Significant?

The Member (Operations) position is one of the most influential operational leadership roles within Airports Authority of India. The selected candidate will contribute directly to national aviation infrastructure development, airport modernization, operational efficiency, safety management, passenger facilitation services, and implementation of strategic aviation initiatives.

As India's aviation sector continues to expand rapidly, leadership positions within AAI offer professionals a unique opportunity to participate in shaping the future of airport management and aviation services across the country.

Conclusion

The AAI Member (Operations) Recruitment 2026 offers a prestigious board-level career opportunity for highly experienced professionals from government, public sector, and eligible private-sector organizations. With an attractive IDA pay scale of ₹1.80 lakh to ₹3.40 lakh, significant operational responsibilities, and the opportunity to contribute to India's rapidly growing aviation sector, this recruitment represents an excellent leadership opportunity. Interested candidates should carefully review the eligibility requirements and ensure that their applications reach the Ministry of Civil Aviation through the prescribed channel before 23 November 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the AAI Member (Operations) Recruitment 2026?

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has invited applications for the post of Member (Operations) in Airports Authority of India (AAI) through the Search-cum-Selection Committee (SCSC) mode under Advertisement No. 01/2026.

Which organization is conducting this recruitment?

The recruitment is being conducted by the Ministry of Civil Aviation for the post of Member (Operations) in Airports Authority of India (AAI), a Schedule 'A' Miniratna Category-I Central Public Sector Enterprise.

What is the pay scale for the Member (Operations) post?

The post carries an IDA pay scale of ₹1,80,000 to ₹3,40,000, making it one of the senior board-level executive positions in AAI.

What are the main responsibilities of the Member (Operations)?

The Member (Operations) is responsible for airport management, airport facilitation services, maintenance of airport infrastructure, safety and rescue services, logistics support, security coordination, and promotion of indigenous technologies under the Atma Nirbhar initiative.

What educational qualifications are required for the post?

Applicants should be Engineering Graduates or Science Graduates with a good academic record from a recognized university or institution. Candidates possessing an MBA qualification will have an added advantage.

What is the minimum age requirement for applicants?

Applicants should be at least 45 years of age and must have a minimum residual service of three years as on the date of advertisement with reference to the age of superannuation of 60 years.

How much work experience is required to apply?

Candidates should possess at least 10 years of experience at a senior management level in technical, operational, large-scale infrastructure management, or logistics functions in a reputed organization.

Is aviation sector experience preferred?

Yes. Candidates having five years of experience in the aviation sector during the last ten years will be given preference during the selection process.

Who is eligible to apply for the Member (Operations) post?

Eligible applicants may come from CPSEs, Central Government services, Armed Forces, All India Services, Public Sector Banks, Financial Institutions, Autonomous Bodies, State Public Sector Enterprises, Joint Ventures, Cooperative Federations, and eligible Private Sector Companies.

Can private sector professionals apply for this vacancy?

Yes. Private sector professionals working in eligible companies with the prescribed turnover criteria can apply. Preference will be given to candidates from listed companies.

What is the tenure of appointment for the selected candidate?

The appointment will be for a period of five years from the date of joining or until the date of superannuation or further orders, whichever is earlier.

What is the last date to submit the application?

The last date for applicants to submit their applications is 23 November 2026 up to 05:00 PM.

What is the last date for forwarding applications by nodal officers?

Nodal officers must forward applications to the Ministry of Civil Aviation by 03 December 2026 up to 05:00 PM.

How will the selection be conducted?

The selection will be carried out through the Search-cum-Selection Committee (SCSC) process. The Ministry of Civil Aviation may shortlist eligible candidates for interview as per the applicable guidelines.

Is submission through proper channel mandatory?

Yes. Candidates from government organizations, CPSEs, public sector banks, autonomous bodies, and other eligible institutions must submit their applications through the prescribed forwarding authority or proper channel.

What happens if a selected candidate refuses to join?

Candidates who decline the appointment after the interview or after receiving the offer of appointment may face debarment from consideration for future board-level posts in CPSEs for a period of two years, as specified in the advertisement.

Where is the headquarters of Airports Authority of India located?

The Corporate Headquarters of Airports Authority of India is located in New Delhi.