DGCA Enhances Monitoring of Airlines to Ensure Compliance with Norms
The civil aviation ministry on 9th March 2026 said the DGCA has augmented monitoring of critical airline operations, with weekly and fortnightly check
The Indian Civil Aviation Minister, K Rammohan Naidu, on 9th March 2026, informed the Rajya Sabha that the investigation into the crash of Air India flight AI171 is progressing well and that the investigation report will be released by the end of this year.
Naidu said the government is offering all necessary support to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, conducting the investigation.
The Boeing 787-8 aircraft, operating flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed soon after take-off on June 12, 2025, killing 260 people, including 241 passengers and crew. The AAIB is examining the accident.
Responding to queries about the influence of tensions in West Asia on flight operations, Naidu said the DGCA immediately engaged with airlines and issued advisories to guarantee passenger safety.
He said the DGCA held several meetings with airline executives to guarantee that flights to airports in the region operate only when "100% safety" can be guaranteed. Travel advisories have also been issued to avoid confusion, the minister added.
Naidu said the Ministry of Civil Aviation is working with airlines to help bring back Indians stuck in West Asia amid the escalating conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran, which has led to extensive airspace closures across the region.
As stated by the minister, about 90,000 passengers have travelled to India in the past week as airlines adjusted operations and secured flight slots despite the crisis-related disturbances.
The minister also informed the house that the future Noida International Airport has received its aerodrome license from the DGCA and will be active in 45 days, after consultations with agencies including the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security and the Airports Authority of India.
He added that the government is also planning a key inauguration event for the airport, which will further promote the project in UP.
Speaking about the long-term growth of India's aviation industry as part of India’s development vision for 2047, Naidu said the government plans a notable expansion of airport infrastructure.
Highlighting the sector's development, the minister said India's civil aviation industry is among the fastest-growing. Currently, about 5 lakh passengers travel domestically daily, while another 1 to 2 lakhs travel internationally.
Apart from expanding airports, the government also wants to introduce seaplane operations and boost helicopter services in India.
Addressing concerns about aviation safety, Naidu said the DGCA follows a "multi-tier, multi-level, thorough process" and adheres to ICAO safety standards, with strict enforcement mechanisms in place.
He added that the DGCA has also strengthened oversight through digital initiatives. One such measure is the "Track by Tail" programme, under which every aircraft is digitally monitored and tracked electronically.
The DGCA has also presented an additional layer of inspection through monitoring from its headquarters, allowing double verification of safety checks carried out across the industry.
Naidu added that responses from stakeholders, such as the public, are also taken into consideration to further improve aviation safety norms and standards.
Source: NDTV
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