India’s Civil Aviation Safety
India’s aviation safety framework faces critical challenges as passenger traffic rapidly grows. A recent parliamentary report has brought into light systemic lapses and urgent reform needs following the Air India Express AI171 crash. The report warns that regulatory and operational strains risk future disasters without immediate action.
DGCA Challenges
India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), is severely understaffed. Only about half of the sanctioned posts are filled, with many technical staff on short-term deputations. This causes high attrition and loss of institutional memory. The DGCA’s limited autonomy and low salaries hinder recruitment of skilled experts. Without reforms, India risks failing International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) audits, which could lead to restrictions on its carriers.
Air Traffic Control Overload
Air Traffic Control Officers (ATCOs) face extreme fatigue due to long shifts and staff shortages. At major airports, merged control sectors at night increase workload dangerously. The report calls this institutionalised overwork and demands an end to duty-time exemptions. It also recommends a scientifically designed Fatigue Risk Management System and expansion of ATC training capacity to reduce deployment delays.
Enforcement Gaps
Thousands of safety deficiencies remain unaddressed, including critical ones posing immediate risk. The DGCA’s enforcement is described as a procedural formality lacking effective deterrence. The committee urges strict timelines for fixing issues, stronger penalties such as fines and licence cancellations, and independent audits to ensure safety improvements are implemented.
Helicopter Operations Oversight
Helicopter safety oversight is fragmented and dangerous. Pilgrimage and other high-risk operations are partly managed by state bodies with limited DGCA control. The report recommends a unified national regulatory framework, mandatory terrain-specific pilot training, and a dedicated DGCA cell to monitor high-altitude helicopter flights.
Recurring Operational Risks
Runway incursions and near mid-air collisions are rising, exceeding safety targets. Despite investigations, lessons are not leading to improvements. The report demands root-cause analyses for every runway incursion, remedial programmes for risky airports, and accelerated installation of fog navigation and Instrument Landing Systems.
Whistleblower Protection and Safety Culture
A punitive culture discourages open reporting of safety issues. Heavy fines on individuals undermine trust. The committee recommends adopting just culture principles distinguishing honest errors from negligence. It also calls for legally backed whistleblower protection to ensure anonymity and prevent victimisation.
Dependence on Foreign Maintenance Facilities
India relies on foreign Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services for 85% of heavy checks, costing airlines ₹15,000 crore annually. This creates strategic vulnerability to geopolitical or supply disruptions. The report suggests rationalising taxes on spare parts, incentivising domestic MRO hubs, and launching a national aviation skill mission to build local expertise.
Governance Issues
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) lacks a dedicated Member for Air Traffic Control on its Board. This longstanding gap weakens safety planning and governance. The committee calls this a serious failure that endangers systemic safety oversight.
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