The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is the regulatory body in the field of Civil Aviation, primarily dealing with safety issues. It is responsible for regulation of air transport services to/from/within India and for enforcement of civil air regulations, air safety, and airworthiness standards. The DGCA also co-ordinates all regulatory functions with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
Private operators were allowed to provide air transport services. However, no foreign airline could directly or indirectly hold equity in a domestic airline company. By 1995, several private airlines had ventured into the aviation business and accounted for more than 10 percent of the domestic air traffic. Today, Indian aviation industry is dominated by private airlines and these include low cost carriers, who have made air travel affordable. The Government nationalized nine airline companies vide the Air Corporations Act, 1953. These government-owned airlines dominated Indian aviation industry till the mid-1990s. In April 1990, the Government adopted open-sky policy and allowed air taxi- operators to operate flights from any airport, both on a charter and a non charter basis and to decide their own flight schedules, cargo and passenger fares. As part of its open sky policy in 1994, the Indian Government ended the monopoly of IA and AI in the air transport services. Private operators were allowed to provide air transport services. However, no foreign airline could directly or indirectly hold equity in a domestic airline company. By 1995, several private airlines had ventured into the aviation business and accounted for more than 10 percent of the domestic air traffic. Today, Indian aviation industry is dominated by private airlines and these include low cost carriers, who have made air travel affordable.
Activities of the DGCA
- Regulation and Enforcement: The DGCA establishes and enforces regulations related to air safety, airworthiness, and operational standards. This includes creating guidelines for the design, production, and maintenance of aircraft to ensure they meet international safety standards.
- Licensing and Certification: The DGCA is responsible for issuing licenses to pilots, aircraft maintenance engineers, and air traffic controllers. It also certifies aircraft, ensuring they comply with safety regulations before they are allowed to operate.
- Safety Oversight: The DGCA conducts regular safety audits and inspections of airlines, airports, and other aviation-related facilities. It monitors compliance with safety protocols and investigates aviation accidents and incidents to identify causes and recommend preventive measures.
- Aviation Security: Ensuring the security of passengers, crew, and aircraft is a priority. The DGCA collaborates with other agencies to implement stringent security measures, including screening procedures and counter-terrorism protocols.
Environmental Regulations: The DGCA implements policies to minimize the environmental impact of aviation activities. This includes regulating noise pollution and emissions from aircraft operations.
The Indian aviation authorities, particularly the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), have taken numerous actions against airlines to ensure compliance with safety, operational, and regulatory standards.
- Grounding Air Asia Flight Due to Cracked Tyre: The DGCA grounded an Air Asia flight in Pune after discovering a cracked tyre, delaying the aircraft's onward journey and stranding passengers for over 11 hours (Ground News).
- Suspending Boeing 737 MAX Operations: Following global safety concerns after a crash, the DGCA suspended all operations of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in India to ensure passenger safety (Free Press Kashmir).
- De-registering SpiceJet Aircraft: The DGCA de-registered two Boeing 737s leased to SpiceJet at the request of Dublin-based lessors Wilmington Trust SP Services and Aircastle due to prolonged grounding and other issues (Ground News).
- Special Audit of SpiceJet: The DGCA conducted a special audit of SpiceJet following several mishaps involving the airline's Q400 and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to assess safety and maintenance procedures (Ground News).
- Fine on IndiGo for Safety Violations: IndiGo was fined by the DGCA for safety violations, including operating without necessary equipment and improper training of staff on safety protocols (Ground News).
- Revoking Air Odisha's Permit: The DGCA revoked Air Odisha's Air Operator's Permit due to failure to meet operational and safety standards, effectively grounding the airline (Ground News).
- Notice to GoAir for Frequent Delays: The DGCA issued a show-cause notice to GoAir over repeated delays and cancellations, demanding explanations for the operational disruptions affecting passengers (Ground News).
- Investigation into Jet Airways: Before its shutdown, Jet Airways faced DGCA scrutiny over financial instability impacting its ability to maintain safety and operational standards, leading to closer monitoring and directives for corrective actions (Ground News).
- Penalties on Air India for Lapses: Air India received penalties for various safety and operational lapses, including failure to adhere to maintenance schedules and inadequate passenger service responses (Ground News).
- Order to Ground Kingfisher Airlines: Kingfisher Airlines was ordered to cease operations by the DGCA due to severe financial distress and failure to meet safety and operational standards, eventually leading to the airline's collapse (Ground News).