India to Establish National Aviation Safety Centre to Boost Air Safety Framework

India is set to establish a National Aviation Safety Centre aimed at strengthening its aviation safety ecosystem amid a surge in air traffic and airport expansion. The initiative was unveiled at the Asia-Pacific Accident Investigation Group (APAC-AIG) meeting in New Delhi.

Strengthening India’s Aviation Safety Network

Union Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha announced that the National Aviation Safety Centre will focus on capacity building, institutional reforms, and international cooperation. The centre will play a key role in improving safety oversight mechanisms and ensuring regulatory compliance in the rapidly expanding Indian aviation sector.

Doubling DGCA and AAIB Workforce

The Ministry of Civil Aviation plans to double the manpower of both the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). This expansion aims to address growing safety oversight requirements as air passenger and aircraft numbers continue to rise. The move will be reinforced by the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, which enhances the statutory powers and operational efficiency of these regulatory bodies.

ICAO-Aligned Training and International Collaboration

To further align with ICAO standards, Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) auditor courses will be launched at the Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University (RGNAU). The courses aim to build domestic auditing capacity and foster cooperation with global aviation safety agencies. India, hosting the APAC-AIG meet for the first time, also pledged to share its aviation laboratories for defect analysis with member states.

Exam Oriented Facts

• The Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, replaces older aviation laws to modernise India’s safety oversight framework.
• India’s ICAO safety implementation score rose to 85% in 2025 from 70% in 2018.
• The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) regulates safety and licensing, while the AAIB investigates aircraft accidents.
• The APAC-AIG meet promotes harmonisation of accident investigation practices across the Asia-Pacific region.

India’s Aviation Safety Ranking and Future Outlook

Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu highlighted that India’s global safety oversight rank improved significantly, rising from 112th to 55th place. With plans to expand its airport network to 350–400 by 2047, the government emphasises maintaining rigorous safety standards alongside growth. The establishment of the National Aviation Safety Centre marks a major step toward ensuring that India’s skies remain among the safest in the world.