Answer

India’s aviation sector is expanding rapidly, emerging as the third-largest domestic aviation market globally. The 2024 Air India crash in Ahmedabad, which killed all but one of 242 onboard, highlights the urgent need to enhance safety frameworks and regulatory oversight to sustain growth while protecting passenger lives and operational integrity.

Rapid Growth in Indian Aviation Sector

• Record Domestic Passenger Surge: India’s domestic passenger traffic hit an all-time high of 5 lakh in a day on Nov 17, 2024, reflecting its emergence as the 3rd-largest aviation market globally.
• Greenfield Airport Expansion: Since 2014, India operationalized 12 Greenfield airports including Mopa, Rajkot, and Itanagar, with Noida and Navi Mumbai expected by FY 2025–26.
• UDAN’s Regional Impact: The UDAN scheme, in its 9th year, connected 88 airports and launched 619 routes, boosting rural and hilly connectivity.
  

Challenges in India’s Expanding Aviation Sector

• Reactive Oversight by DGCA: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) often takes action only after incidents occur, rather than proactively identifying risks.
• Pilot Fatigue and Crew Stress: Pilots frequently face extended duty hours, which compromises alertness and flight safety.
  Eg. Starting July 1, 2025, India will mandate a 48-hour weekly rest period for pilots, up from the previous 36 hours.
• Shortage of Technical Manpower: India’s technical manpower-to-aircraft ratio is insufficient, which affects routine inspections and maintenance quality.
  Eg. In the ICAO audit (2022), India improved its Effective Implementation (EI) score from 70% to 85%, yet technical staffing remained a concern.
• Frequent Operational Lapses: Failures in engine checks, load planning, and configuration affect airworthiness and increase risks.
  Eg. Investigations into the Ahmedabad crash cited incorrect engine calibration and incomplete pre-flight checks as contributing factors.
• Cybersecurity and Baggage Handling Risks: Airports face growing cyber threats and inefficient baggage systems that compromise passenger service and safety.
• Urban Encroachment Hazards: Unregulated urban development near airports poses major safety threats during landings and takeoffs.
  Eg. A 2024 DGCA report raised red flags over high-risk encroachments near Delhi and Patna airports.
• Underfunded Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB): The AAIB lacks adequate funding and infrastructure to conduct thorough accident investigations.
  Eg. Many airports still lack Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), undermining safe landings during low-visibility conditions.

Measures to Strengthening Passenger Safety and Regulatory Oversight

Passenger Safety 

• Pilot Welfare and Rest Regulations: Ensuring adequate rest and mental well-being of pilots is critical for reducing fatigue-related risks.
  Eg. The new rule mandating 48-hour weekly pilot rest from July 2025 marks a shift toward prioritizing pilot welfare.
• Predictive Maintenance and AI Tools: Advanced analytics and real-time diagnostics can prevent technical failures.
  Eg. Airlines like Indigo have implemented Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA) systems to proactively detect operational risks.
• Simulator-Based Emergency Training: Realistic training enhances preparedness and decision-making under pressure.
  Eg. Programs under Wings India 2026 emphasize AI-powered simulators to strengthen civil pilot training.
• Adoption of Real-Time Monitoring Systems: Tools like cockpit voice/data recorders and satellite tracking can boost situational awareness.
  Eg. India is advancing the use of ADS-B systems to improve real-time tracking of aircraft.

Regulatory Oversight

• Enhancing DGCA’s Autonomy: Empowering DGCA with greater independence aligns India with global regulatory models like the FAA and EASA.
  Eg. The Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam (2024) aims to modernize aviation regulation and promote proactive oversight.
• Improved Funding and Infrastructure for AAIB: A stronger AAIB ensures timely, thorough, and impartial investigations.
• Cape Town Convention Enforcement: Legal adherence to international norms boosts investor confidence in leasing and financing.
  Eg. India reaffirmed its commitment to the Cape Town Convention, facilitating secure aviation financing under the GIFT City framework.
• Implementation of State Safety Programme (SSP): A structured SSP helps track performance and institutional accountability.
  Eg. The National Aviation Safety Plan (2024–2028) includes five goals, such as expanding data-sharing networks and enhancing international cooperation.

The tragic Ahmedabad crash serves as a stark reminder of the gaps in aviation safety. India must now commit to long-term reforms focused on regulatory independence, proactive risk management, and international collaboration to build a resilient and globally competitive aviation ecosystem that ensures safe skies for all.

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