NEW DELHI: Shaken by the recent tragedies, including the crash of Air India Flight 171 and multiple helicopter accidents in Uttarakhand, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a comprehensive special audit of the entire Indian aviation ecosystem. This far-reaching audit will cover scheduled, non-scheduled, and private airlines; maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) units; approved training organizations (ATOs); flying schools; airport operators; air navigation service providers; and ground handling agencies (GHAs).
The DGCA stated that the audit aims to evaluate safety management systems (SMS), operational protocols, and adherence to regulations across all aviation sectors. It will also include supporting areas such as technology providers, emergency response systems, regulatory bodies, and supply chain networks.
Industry experts have raised concerns about the effectiveness of DGCA’s past audits. Aviation safety specialist Amit Singh remarked, “DGCA has been conducting audits for decades. Wouldn’t it be more effective to invite third-party experts? Why haven’t previous audits improved safety?”
Financial instability remains a major challenge, especially for some airlines, which limits their ability to meet full regulatory compliance. According to insiders, several operators in the past have threatened closure if pushed to comply with every regulation, potentially disrupting air connectivity in remote regions. However, recent accidents have reignited calls for tighter enforcement and systemic change.
DGCA chief Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, in his order, noted that oversight has traditionally been siloed—each directorate conducting its audits in isolation. The new initiative marks a shift toward holistic assessment. “This special audit is intended to provide a 360-degree evaluation of the aviation ecosystem, highlighting both strengths and weaknesses,” the order states.
Multidisciplinary audit teams, led by senior DGCA officials (DDG/Director) and supported by experts from various directorates—flight standards, air safety, airworthiness, airspace management, licensing, and aerodromes—will conduct the audits. External industry specialists may also be brought in for specific insights.
Once the audits conclude, findings will be shared with the concerned entities, which must then submit a corrective action plan (CAP) within 15 days. The DGCA will monitor the implementation through follow-up reviews and verification audits. Failure to comply may result in enforcement actions, including warnings, operational restrictions, financial penalties, or suspension/revocation of licenses. “All enforcement will consider public safety, compliance history, and cooperation to ensure fairness and justice,” Kidwai added.
