The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) is the primary agency responsible for the security of civil aviation in India. Its main purpose is to establish, implement, and maintain security measures to prevent unlawful interference with civil aviation operations. BCAS formulates aviation security policies and regulations, ensuring they align with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

BCAS oversees the implementation of security measures at airports, including passenger and baggage screening, access control, and the security of aircraft and cargo operations. It conducts regular audits, inspections, and assessments of airport security systems to ensure compliance. Additionally, BCAS provides training and certification for aviation security personnel and coordinates with other national and international security agencies to enhance aviation security.

By ensuring robust security protocols, BCAS aims to protect passengers, crew, aircraft, and airport infrastructure from potential threats, thereby fostering a secure and efficient aviation environment in India.

Activities of the BCAS

1. Regulatory Framework: BCAS formulates security standards and regulations that airlines and airport operators must adhere to. These guidelines are periodically updated to address emerging threats and technological advancements.
2. Inspections and Audits: The authority conducts regular inspections and audits of airport facilities and airline operations to ensure compliance with established security norms. These audits are crucial for identifying vulnerabilities and ensuring corrective actions are implemented.
3. Training and Certification: BCAS provides specialized training programs for aviation security personnel, including airport security staff, airline crew, and ground handling agents. These programs ensure that all personnel are well-equipped to handle security challenges.
4. Implementation of Security Measures: The bureau oversees the implementation of security measures such as passenger screening, baggage checks, access control, and surveillance systems at airports. It ensures these measures are consistently applied to prevent security breaches.
5. Coordination with Agencies: BCAS works closely with other national and international security agencies to coordinate efforts in combating aviation-related threats. This collaboration includes sharing intelligence and best practices to enhance overall security.
6. Incident Response: In the event of a security incident or threat, BCAS leads the response efforts, coordinating with airlines, airport authorities, and law enforcement agencies to manage and mitigate the situation.
7. Policy Development: The bureau is involved in developing policies related to aviation security, ensuring they are aligned with international standards and tailored to the specific security landscape of India.
8. Public Awareness: BCAS also engages in public awareness campaigns to educate passengers about security protocols and procedures, fostering a security-conscious culture among travelers.
9. Technological Integration: The authority promotes the adoption of advanced security technologies such as biometric screening, advanced imaging technologies, and automated threat detection systems to enhance security efficiency.
10. Compliance Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of compliance with security regulations is a critical function of BCAS. This includes real-time monitoring of security operations and enforcement of penalties for non-compliance.

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has taken numerous actions against airlines to enforce compliance with security protocols, operational standards, and regulatory requirements.

1. Baggage Delivery Directive: BCAS directed seven airlines to ensure passenger baggage delivery within 30 minutes of landing. This action was taken to improve passenger experience and operational efficiency at airports​ (Deccan News)​​ (mint)​.
2. Security Lapses Fines: BCAS imposed fines on several airlines for failing to adhere to security protocols, including inadequate screening procedures and lapses in security checks at various airports.
3. Suspension of Ground Handling Services: The authority suspended ground handling services of certain airlines for not complying with mandated security training for their personnel.
4. Enhanced Security Measures: In response to specific threats, BCAS mandated airlines to implement additional security measures, such as secondary passenger screening and enhanced surveillance of aircraft.
5. Access Control Violations: Airlines were penalized for violations related to unauthorized access to restricted areas within airports, ensuring stricter enforcement of access control policies.
6. Emergency Response Drills: BCAS required airlines to participate in regular emergency response drills to evaluate and improve their preparedness for handling security incidents.
7. Passenger Profiling Systems: Airlines were instructed to implement advanced passenger profiling systems to identify and mitigate potential security threats more effectively.
8. Security Infrastructure Upgrades: Several airlines were directed to upgrade their security infrastructure, including the installation of advanced screening technologies and improved surveillance systems.
9. In-flight Security Enhancements: BCAS mandated airlines to adopt in-flight security enhancements, such as the deployment of air marshals and the installation of secure cockpit doors.
10. Compliance Reviews: Regular compliance reviews were conducted, and airlines found in violation of security regulations were subjected to penalties and corrective action plans to address deficiencies.