New Delhi: In a significant development at the Airports Authority of India (AAI), former Member (Operations) Dr Sharad Kumar, who was appointed Chief Adviser, AAI after retirement, has reportedly been asked to step down nearly two months before completing his one-year tenure.
According to sources, Kumar was asked on August 18, 2026, to submit his resignation with effect from August 31, 2026, despite his appointment being scheduled to continue until October 31, 2026.
His early exit comes amid questions surrounding the extent of his influence in AAI after retirement and his continuing access to official facilities despite holding an advisory position.
Appointment Made on the Day of Retirement
Dr Sharad Kumar’s appointment as Chief Adviser, AAI followed an unusual sequence.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation appointed him as Chief Adviser (AAI) on October 31, 2025, the same day on which he retired as Member (Operations), AAI.
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He was appointed for a period of one year, meaning his tenure was originally scheduled to run until October 31, 2026.
However, nearly two months before the scheduled completion of his term, he was asked to put in his papers.
According to the information available, the resignation was sought on August 18, with the resignation letter carrying an effective date of August 31, 2026.
This effectively cuts short his one-year appointment by about two months.
Why Was Sharad Kumar Asked to Quit?
Sources suggest that Kumar remained highly influential within AAI even after his retirement from the post of Member (Operations).
According to these accounts, he continued to enjoy official facilities and was allegedly involved in important decisions concerning the functioning of AAI, despite his new position being that of Chief Adviser, which was essentially advisory in nature.
The allegations raise questions about the distinction between an advisory role and operational authority within a major aviation organisation.
However, the specific reasons behind the decision to seek his resignation have not been officially disclosed.
Member (Operations) Post Still Vacant
The development is also significant because the post of Member (Operations), AAI remains vacant.
Attempts have reportedly been made to fill the position through both the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB)and a Search-cum-Selection Committee.
Despite these efforts, the position has remained unfilled, leaving the AAI Chairman to hold additional charge of the Member (Operations) portfolio.
The vacancy has also generated speculation within bureaucratic circles regarding the continued role of the former Member (Operations).
Questions Over Alleged Operational Influence
According to sources, bureaucratic discussions around AAI have focused on whether the continued vacancy of the Member (Operations) post enabled Kumar to retain significant influence over operational matters even after his retirement.
There have been suggestions that the vacancy was deliberately allowed to continue to enable him to exercise operational influence in his capacity as Chief Adviser.
However, these claims are allegations and bureaucratic speculation, and there is no official confirmation that the Member (Operations) post was intentionally kept vacant for this purpose.
The precise extent of Kumar’s involvement in operational decision-making after his retirement is also not publicly established.
A Unique Appointment-and-Resignation Sequence
Kumar’s transition from Member (Operations) to Chief Adviser has drawn attention because the two appointments were effectively linked to the same date.
He retired as Member (Operations), AAI, on October 31, 2025.
On the very same day, the Civil Aviation Ministry appointed him Chief Adviser, AAI, for one year.
Under the original appointment, his term was therefore expected to continue until October 31, 2026.
Instead, he has now been asked to leave effective August 31, 2026.
Key Dates in Dr Sharad Kumar’s AAI Tenure
- October 31, 2025: Retired as Member (Operations), AAI and appointed Chief Adviser, AAI.
- October 31, 2026: Original date for completion of his one-year Chief Adviser tenure.
- August 18, 2026: Reportedly asked to submit his resignation.
- August 1, 2026: Backdated date mentioned for his resignation.
- August 31, 2026: Effective date of his resignation.
The backdated resignation date of August 1 is another unusual element in the episode.
Chairman Continues to Hold Operations Portfolio
With the Member (Operations) position still vacant, the AAI Chairman continues to hold additional charge of the portfolio.
The Operations Member is an important position within AAI, given the organisation’s responsibility for managing airports and associated aviation infrastructure and operations across the country.
The continued vacancy therefore assumes significance, particularly against the backdrop of Kumar’s early exit as Chief Adviser.
The Ministry and AAI have yet to publicly explain the circumstances surrounding the decision to seek his resignation or indicate when the Member (Operations) position is likely to be filled.
What Happens Next?
Dr Sharad Kumar’s resignation is expected to take effect on August 31, 2026, bringing his post-retirement stint as Chief Adviser to an end roughly two months before the completion of his originally sanctioned one-year term.
The episode also puts the spotlight back on the vacant Member (Operations) post at AAI and the ongoing process to fill it.
Until a regular appointment is made, the AAI Chairman is expected to continue holding additional charge of Operations.
The circumstances surrounding Kumar’s early departure, including the allegations regarding his influence and use of official facilities, could now attract closer attention within the Civil Aviation Ministry and the aviation administration.
It is important to note that the allegations regarding his alleged operational influence are based on sources and have not been independently established or officially confirmed.
About AAI
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is a leading Schedule “A” Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, designated as a Miniratna Category-1 enterprise. As a vital statutory body, this PSU is responsible for creating, upgrading, maintaining, and managing civil aviation infrastructure both on Earth and in Indian airspace. It manages a vast network of over 130 airports across the country, spanning international, domestic, customs airports, and civil enclaves at military airfields. Beyond physical airport management, this crucial PSU provides extensive Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance / Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) services, ensuring safe and efficient flight operations over the entire Indian subcontinent and adjoining oceanic zones.
