Description

India’s aviation safety system is facing mounting challenges as passenger traffic continues to rise. A recent parliamentary report, prompted by the Air India Express AI171 crash, highlights critical lapses in regulatory and operational oversight, warning that without immediate reforms, future accidents are likely.

DGCA Staffing And Regulatory Challenges

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is significantly understaffed, with only about half of the sanctioned positions filled and many technical roles occupied on temporary deputations. High attrition rates and loss of institutional knowledge further weaken the regulator. Limited autonomy and comparatively low salaries make it difficult to attract skilled experts. Without urgent reforms, India risks failing International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) audits, which could result in restrictions on Indian carriers.

Air Traffic Control Overload

Air Traffic Control Officers (ATCOs) are experiencing extreme fatigue due to long working hours and staff shortages. At major airports, merged control sectors at night amplify workloads, creating safety risks. The report calls for ending duty-time exemptions, implementing a Fatigue Risk Management System, and expanding ATC training capacity to reduce deployment delays and ensure safer operations.

Enforcement And Compliance Gaps

Thousands of safety deficiencies remain unresolved, including several posing immediate threats. The DGCA’s enforcement is criticized as largely procedural, lacking meaningful deterrence. The report recommends strict timelines for addressing safety issues, stronger penalties such as fines and license revocations, and independent audits to verify compliance and improvements.

Helicopter Operations Oversight

Oversight of helicopter operations, particularly high-risk activities like pilgrimage flights, is fragmented. Many operations are overseen by state agencies with limited DGCA supervision. The report suggests creating a unified national regulatory framework, mandatory terrain-specific pilot training, and a dedicated DGCA cell to monitor high-altitude helicopter operations.

Operational Risks

Incidents like runway incursions and near mid-air collisions are increasing, surpassing safety targets. Investigations have not consistently led to corrective measures. The report recommends root-cause analyses for each incident, targeted remedial programs for risky airports, and faster implementation of fog navigation systems and Instrument Landing Systems.

Safety Culture And Whistleblower Protection

A punitive culture discourages reporting of safety issues. Heavy fines on individuals undermine trust in the system. The committee advocates for just culture principles that differentiate honest errors from negligence and recommends legally backed whistleblower protection to safeguard anonymity and prevent retaliation.

Dependence On Foreign Maintenance Facilities

India relies on foreign Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) providers for 85% of heavy aircraft checks, costing airlines around ?15,000 crore annually. This dependence creates strategic vulnerabilities. The report urges tax rationalization on spare parts, incentives for domestic MRO hubs, and a national aviation skill mission to develop local expertise.

Governance Challenges

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) currently lacks a dedicated Board Member for Air Traffic Control, a gap that undermines safety planning and oversight. The report stresses that filling this position is critical for robust systemic governance and long-term aviation safety.

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