R. Suryamurthy
India’s booming aviation sector is facing serious safety challenges that could derail its growth, a parliamentary committee has cautioned. In a report tabled this week, the Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture, chaired by Rajya Sabha MP Vijayasai Reddy, called for urgent reforms in air traffic management, regulatory oversight, and maintenance infrastructure.
The panel warned that air traffic controllers (ATCs) are working under extreme fatigue due to staff shortages, long hours, and limited rest. With air traffic projected to double in the next decade, the committee described the shortage of ATCs as a “ticking time bomb” and urged immediate recruitment and training to global standards.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India’s aviation regulator, was also criticised for inadequate manpower. Despite surging passenger numbers, many technical posts remain vacant, undermining its capacity to monitor safety. The committee recommended more financial and human resources to strengthen oversight.
Helicopter safety on hilly and pilgrimage routes, especially Uttarakhand’s Char Dham circuit, was flagged as another concern. Frequent accidents, often due to poor weather and inadequate landing infrastructure, demand stricter weather protocols, better pilot training, and upgraded heliports, the panel said.
On the infrastructure side, the report highlighted India’s heavy reliance on foreign aircraft maintenance (MRO), which drives up costs and foreign exchange outflow. Domestic MRO hubs remain underdeveloped, hindered by tax issues and limited facilities. The committee urged policy reforms, fiscal incentives, and partnerships with global players to build a strong indigenous ecosystem.
Other key recommendations included:
- Upgrading air navigation systems with modern technology.
- Expanding regional connectivity without compromising safety.
- Fast-tracking recruitment of skilled pilots and engineers.
- Better coordination among AAI, DGCA, and airlines.
With 153 million domestic passengers carried in 2023-24 and traffic expected to surpass pre-pandemic peaks, the panel stressed that growth must not come at the cost of safety. Drawing lessons from the FAA (U.S.) and EASA (EU), it urged India to strengthen staffing, training, and oversight.
“The aviation sector is not just about numbers, but about the lives of millions,” the report concluded, calling safety reforms “urgent and non-negotiable.”
