The Air India crash in June 2025 triggered intense scrutiny of India’s civil aviation sector. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), airlines, and their safety protocols came under the public and parliamentary spotlight. Passenger anxiety rose sharply, reflecting widespread concerns over aviation safety. The incident exposed deep-rooted systemic issues demanding urgent reform.
Current Context of Civil Aviation Safety
Following the crash, public confidence in air travel has waned. Passenger behaviour now reflects heightened fear, with increased reliance on personal safety rituals. Media and parliamentary committees have closely examined the DGCA’s role and airline safety measures. The sector faces pressure to overhaul regulatory and operational frameworks to prevent future tragedies.
Need for an Independent Economic Regulator
One major recommendation is the creation of an independent civil aviation economic regulatory authority. Currently, the DGCA handles diverse issues beyond safety, including fare disputes and passenger conduct. This dilutes its primary focus on accident prevention. With growing passenger numbers, a dedicated body is essential to protect consumer interests and allow DGCA to concentrate solely on safety oversight.
DGCA’s Administrative and Financial Autonomy
The DGCA operates with limited autonomy and an 85% score in International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) audits, lower than peers in the US, UK, and UAE. Granting full administrative and financial independence would enable the DGCA to recruit skilled technical staff and upgrade technology. Presently, it functions with only half the required technical workforce, weakening its effectiveness.
Reforming Personnel and Recruitment Practices
A critical flaw lies in DGCA’s staffing, especially for flight operations inspectors (FOIs). These inspectors oversee airline safety but have historically been seconded from airlines they regulate. This creates conflicts of interest and weakens regulatory impartiality. Although DGCA now pays their salaries, many benefits still come from airlines, compromising independence. Offering competitive packages and direct employment with fixed tenures could attract better talent and eliminate bias.
Leadership and Cultural Change at DGCA
The regulator’s leadership must be transformed. It requires a highly experienced, technically qualified, and incorruptible head to drive cultural change. Strong leadership at the top is vital to reform recruitment, enforce accountability, and restore public trust. Change must begin from the highest level to ensure lasting improvements in aviation safety.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the role of independent regulatory authorities in enhancing sectoral safety and consumer protection with suitable examples.
- Explain the challenges faced by regulatory bodies in India due to overlapping responsibilities and suggest measures to improve their efficiency.
- What are the implications of conflicts of interest in regulatory oversight? Discuss with reference to the aviation sector and other industries.
- Comment on the importance of leadership and institutional culture in public sector organisations. How can these factors influence policy implementation and reform?
