Context:
Following the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad that killed over 270 people, the DGCA has launched a Comprehensive Safety Audit to overhaul India’s aviation safety framework and align with global standards.
Relevance: GS 3 (Infrastructure, Disaster Management) , GS 2 ( Governance)
- Trigger Event:
The June 12 Air India crash exposed systemic gaps in aviation safety, prompting immediate regulatory introspection and action. - Break from the Silo Approach:
Previous audits were fragmented, with separate directorates overseeing limited domains. The new audit ends this compartmentalisation for a unified safety review. - 360-Degree Safety Check:
The audit evaluates Safety Management Systems (SMS), operational protocols, and regulatory compliance across all aviation sectors—airlines, airports, air traffic, and licensing. - Multidisciplinary Audit Teams:
Expert teams from various DGCA divisions will jointly conduct on-site checks, interviews, and data analysis for a holistic assessment. - Proactive Risk Detection:
The audit includes surprise inspections and can be triggered by accidents, repeated non-compliance, or operational lapses. - Global Benchmarking:
The move aims to align India’s aviation safety practices with ICAO’s global SARPs, enhancing international credibility and passenger trust. - Use of Advanced Tools:
The audit integrates record reviews, simulations, trend analysis, and safety data tracking—shifting from reactive to predictive oversight.
Conclusion:
- The audit marks a strategic shift toward integrated, data-driven aviation safety regulation.
- Its success depends on effective implementation, institutional accountability, and continuous feedback integration.
