Security Governance of Civil Aviation in India

Syllabus: Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability

Status of Aviation Sector in India

• India ranks as the third-largest aviation market globally, handling over 350 million passengers annually.
• Domestic air passenger traffic records 10–12% annual growth, indicating sustained sectoral expansion.
• Women constitute 15% of Indian pilots, significantly higher than the global average of 5%.
• Aviation capex of ₹91,000 crore allocated under the National Infrastructure Pipeline (2019–20 to 2024–25).
• Eighty-one airports have transitioned to 100% green energy usage, supporting sustainable aviation goals.
• A uniform 5% Integrated GST on aircraft parts promotes India as a global MRO hub.

Key Aviation Institutions in India

• Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) regulates air transport services, safety standards, and airworthiness compliance.
• DGCA coordinates India’s civil aviation regulations with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
• Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA), established under the 2008 Act, regulates airport tariffs and service standards.
• Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) formulates aviation security norms under ICAO Annex 17 provisions.
• Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) investigates major aircraft accidents under 2017 Rules.
• AAIB probes incidents involving aircraft exceeding 2,250 kg all-up weight or turbojet aircraft.

Parliamentary Committee: Challenges Identified

• Imbalanced capital allocation, with DGCA receiving nearly 50% of aviation capital budget.
• Manpower shortages persist, with vacancies at DGCA, BCAS, and AAI exceeding 17–53%.
• UDAN scheme allocation reduced by 32%, affecting security preparedness in remote regions.
• Navigation system gaps, causing weather-induced flight disruptions due to limited ILS coverage.
• Cabin safety concerns, including premature material deterioration and technological obsolescence.

Key Recommendations

• Promote balanced funding, integrated safety mechanisms, and accelerated recruitment strategies.
• Install Instrument Landing Systems at all airports to improve operational resilience.
• Establish an Aviation Interior Quality Commission to enforce safety and sustainability standards.
• India’s alignment with ICAO safety audits and adoption of the Delhi Declaration 2024 reflects strong global commitment.