Answer

India’s aviation sector, the third largest globally, plays a pivotal role in economic growth and connectivity. Despite a robust regulatory framework under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), recurring incidents like the Air India Express crash in Kozhikode (2020) highlight systemic challenges in aviation safety. Addressing these issues is crucial for aligning with international standards and ensuring passenger trust.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Robustness of Indian Aviation Sector and Regulatory Framework

• Growing Aviation Sector: India’s aviation market is one of the fastest-growing globally, with increasing air passenger traffic and expanding airport infrastructure.
  For example: The construction of modern airports like Delhi’s Terminal 3 and Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport showcases robust infrastructure development.
• DGCA Oversight: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation ensures safety compliance and certification for operators and aircraft.
  For example: DGCA’s Annual Safety Audit Reports evaluate operational standards of airlines and airports.
• Adherence to ICAO: India is a signatory to ICAO Annex 13, ensuring investigations into accidents and adherence to global safety protocols.
  For example: After the Kozhikode crash (2020), the DGCA conducted an ICAO-compliant safety audit and issued corrective guidelines.
• Airline Expansion: Major Indian carriers have expanded their fleets, adopting modern aircraft with advanced safety features to enhance safety and efficiency.
  For example: Indigo Airlines operates Airbus A320neo, known for fuel efficiency and safety upgrades.
• Civil Aviation Policy: The 2016 National Civil Aviation Policy focuses on growth, regional connectivity, and fostering public-private partnerships in aviation infrastructure.
  For example: The UDAN scheme made regional air travel accessible through subsidies and incentives.

Challenges of Recurring Aviation Safety Incidents

• Runway Confusion: Pilots frequently face challenges distinguishing between taxiways and runways, leading to takeoff or landing on incorrect surfaces.
  For example: The Mopa incident (2024) and the Sulur Air Base incident (1993) highlight repeated runway confusion.
• Fatigue and Duty Limits: Inadequate implementation of flight and duty time regulations leads to crew fatigue, compromising decision-making and operational safety.
  For example: The Kozhikode crash involved pilot fatigue, with the captain under pressure to operate subsequent flights.
• Inconsistent Training Standards: Airlines fail to provide adequate pilot training on runway markings and approach protocols, leading to repeated errors.
  For example: The Spicejet aircraft (2020) faced a hard touchdown due to improper knowledge of runway approach techniques.
• Poor Safety Audits: DGCA audits often fail to identify or address critical safety gaps in airport infrastructure and operations.
  For example: Overruns at airports like Mumbai (2019) and Hubli (2015) resulted from inadequate safety measures.
• OTP Pressure: Overemphasis on On-Time Performance (OTP) forces pilots to make risky decisions, ignoring safety protocols.
  For example: The Mangaluru crash (2010) resulted from press-on-it-is, with the pilot dismissing go-around warnings.

Comprehensive Reforms to Align with International Standards

• Enhanced Pilot Training: Airlines must improve simulator-based training for scenarios like runway confusion and stabilized approaches.
  For example: Singapore Airlines revised pilot training after the Taiwan crash (2000), preventing recurrence of similar incidents.
• Stringent Fatigue Regulations: Implement global standards for crew duty limits and enforce compliance without compromise.
  For example: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates strict rest periods for flight crews, reducing fatigue-induced errors.
• Independent Accident Investigations: Establish an independent body for accident investigation to ensure transparency and learning.
  For example: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the U.S. ensures unbiased probes into aviation incidents.
• Infrastructure Modernization: Upgrade airport infrastructure, including runway markings, navigation aids, and lighting systems, to meet ICAO standards.
  For example: Modernized airports in Singapore and Dubai prioritize safety with advanced systems like EMAS (Engineered Material Arresting Systems).
• Safety Culture Reforms: Shift from blaming pilots to fostering a just culture, encouraging error reporting without fear of reprisal.
  For example: ICAO’s Global Aviation Safety Plan (GASP) emphasizes safety culture as a key priority.

Check Out UPSC CSE Books From PW Store

To ensure aviation safety aligns with global standards, India must adopt a multi-pronged approach: enhance regulatory oversight, invest in advanced technology, and prioritize skill development. Strengthening incident reporting mechanisms, creating a safety-first culture, and collaborating with international bodies will future-proof the sector, ensuring passenger trust, operational excellence, and India’s leadership in global aviation safety standards.

DOWNLOAD PDF