New Delhi: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has entrusted Puneet Kansal (IAS), Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, with the additional charge of Chairman of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for a period of three months.
The decision was communicated through an official order issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation on September 29, 2026. Kansal has been assigned the additional responsibility following the transfer of Vipin Kumar, IAS (BH:1996).
Puneet Kansal Gets Additional Charge of AAI Chairman
According to the Ministry’s order, Puneet Kansal will take charge as Chairman of AAI while continuing with his existing responsibilities as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Key details of the appointment are:
- Officer: Puneet Kansal, IAS
- Current position: Additional Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation
- Additional charge: Chairman, Airports Authority of India
- Order date: September 29, 2026
- Effective from: Forenoon of September 30, 2026
- Tenure: Three months or until further orders, whichever is earlier
- Reason: Following the transfer of Vipin Kumar, IAS (BH:1996)
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Kansal to Continue Existing Responsibilities
Puneet Kansal will hold the additional charge of AAI Chairman alongside his existing duties in the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
The additional charge will take effect from the forenoon of September 30, 2026, and will remain in force for three months or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
The arrangement ensures continuity in the leadership of AAI following the transfer of Vipin Kumar.
Ministry Circulates Order to AAI Officials
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has circulated the order to senior officials and Board members of the Airports Authority of India.
The order has been sent to:
- Member (HR), AAI
- Company Secretary, AAI
- Chief of Administration & Corporate Services (CA&CS), AAI
- All Board Members of AAI
Puneet Kansal will continue to discharge his responsibilities at the Ministry while handling the additional charge of AAI Chairman.
Why the AAI Chairman’s Role Matters
The Airports Authority of India plays an important role in India’s aviation infrastructure. As the organisation responsible for airport management and air navigation services, its leadership oversees functions connected with the operation and development of airports and aviation facilities.
The temporary additional-charge arrangement provides continuity at the top level of the organisation following the transfer of the previous Chairman.
About Airports Authority of India (AAI)
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. It is responsible for managing and operating airports and providing air navigation services across India. AAI also undertakes the development and maintenance of aviation infrastructure at airports under its jurisdiction.
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