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Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Aviation safety: Parliament panel flags DGCA staff shortage; half of all posts vacant, push for autonomy
A Parliamentary panel has raised alarm over the 'existential threat' posed by severe staffing shortages at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and pressed for granting the regulator both financial and administrative autonomy through a time-bound plan. The Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture, chaired by JD(U) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, tabled its report on 'Overall Review of Safety in the Civil Aviation Sector' on Wednesday, PTI reported. It cautioned that India's rapid aircraft induction, unmatched by airport infrastructure expansion, is pushing facilities to the brink, eroding service standards and stretching safety margins. The panel recommended a comprehensive National Capacity Alignment Plan to synchronise fleet additions with airport growth. 'This deficit is not a mere administrative statistic; it is a critical vulnerability that exists at the very heart of India's safety oversight system, occurring precisely at a time when the sector's unprecedented growth demands more, not less, regulatory vigilance and capacity,' the report observed. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Resmed AirSense 11 with flat 20% off ResMed Buy Now Undo Nearly 50 per cent of DGCA's 1,063 sanctioned posts remain vacant, with only 553 currently filled. The committee noted that 'an ineffective recruitment model' has left critical technical positions unfilled despite repeated warnings by earlier expert panels. It also flagged the civil aviation ministry's current stance that direct recruitment by DGCA is 'not under consideration'. The report further stated that unresolved safety deficiencies are piling up, exposing weaknesses in the regulator's post-surveillance rectification process. 'This is a response to the significant and growing backlog of unresolved safety findings, which indicates a critical weakness in the post-surveillance rectification process that undermines the entire oversight programme,' the panel said, urging strict deadlines for closing gaps and stronger enforcement including financial penalties. Concerns were also raised about audit quality due to the lack of qualified staff and the tendency of airlines to 'prioritise profiteering over immediate maintenance'. The panel has asked for mandatory root-cause analysis of every runway incursion and other recurrent high-risk events, warning that 'key safety targets… are consistently being exceeded'. Data on bird strikes and engine failures, it said, show the need for effective remedial measures. Citing recent helicopter crashes, the committee proposed a uniform national regulatory framework for all state-operated services, backed by mandatory terrain-specific pilot training. It said state-level oversight has created 'unacceptable safety gaps' in high-risk environments and called for stronger central intervention. The panel also emphasised creating a 'just culture' with legal whistleblower protection to encourage open error reporting. 'While DGCA has a confidential and non-punitive voluntary safety reporting system, there is a need for clearer protections,' the report added. Notably, the report made no mention of the June 12 Air India plane crash that claimed 260 lives. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays , public holidays , current gold rate and silver price .
Observer
16-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
Aviation sector confirms readiness for khareef season
MUSCAT: The Civil Aviation Sector has confirmed its complete operational readiness to ensure a safe, smooth and efficient travel experience for passengers visiting Dhofar Governorate during the upcoming Khareef season, which traditionally attracts increasing numbers of domestic and international tourists. The comprehensive preparations involve coordinated efforts between the Civil Aviation Authority, Oman Airports, Oman Air and SalamAir as part of an integrated national system aimed at enhancing air transport operations. This includes increasing domestic flight frequencies and optimising operational efficiency at both Muscat International Airport and Salalah Airport to ensure seamless air traffic flow while maintaining the highest standards of service quality and safety. Authorities emphasised that these preparations reflect the sector's commitment to developing a comprehensive and sustainable aviation system that supports Oman's tourism economy. The civil aviation sector serves as a strategic partner in this regard, providing advanced infrastructure that contributes to economic growth while reinforcing the Sultanate of Oman's position as a leading tourist destination. Operational readiness measures have been intensified through reviews of emergency response plans, verification of air traffic control system capabilities, provision of specialised aviation weather forecasts, and continuous coordination between all relevant entities. These efforts collectively ensure that travellers would experience safe and hassle-free journeys throughout the season. Flight operations will see significant expansion during the peak period. Oman Air will operate up to 12 daily flights during the busiest periods starting from July 1, while SalamAir will increase its operations to 8 daily flights during July and August, including the introduction of a new direct route between Sohar and Salalah from July 15 with one daily flight. Capacity enhancements include Oman Air adding over 70,000 additional seats for the season, representing a 16% increase compared to last year, while SalamAir has expanded its capacity by 58% with approximately 176,000 seats available for 2025. These adjustments directly respond to growing passenger demand while supporting Dhofar's tourism sector during the Khareef season. Special fare structures remain in place for Omani citizens, with Oman Air maintaining fixed pricing starting at RO 32 for one-way trips and RO 54 for round trips between July 1 and September 15. Similarly, SalamAir offers fares beginning at RO 30 for single journeys and RO 48 for return flights during the same period.
