India’s Aviation Safety Regulator Faces Staffing Crisis
DELHI — In a recent report, a parliamentary panel has warned that India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is struggling with a severe staffing shortage that is jeopardizing its ability to maintain aviation safety standards.
The report, presented in the upper house of parliament, highlights the “profound and persistent shortage” of personnel at DGCA, stating that this shortage poses an “existential threat” to the integrity of the safety system in India.
Lawmakers conducted the review of aviation safety following the tragic Air India plane crash on June 12, resulting in the loss of 260 lives. While the report does not directly reference the crash, it raises concerns about overworked air traffic controllers and other safety issues.
India, as the world’s third-largest aviation market, has experienced significant growth in air travel, driven by budget airlines, increasing disposable incomes, and government efforts to expand connectivity through new airports. However, this growth has been accompanied by challenges such as a shortage of qualified personnel, staff fatigue, and infrastructure limitations.
Following the Air India crash, there has been increased scrutiny on the airline and the broader aviation sector in India. The parliamentary committee, comprising members from various political parties, identified systemic vulnerabilities in the aviation sector and recommended reforms.
The report revealed that only 553 out of 1,063 positions at DGCA have been filled, resulting in a nearly 50% staffing shortfall. The committee criticized the regulator’s slow and inflexible hiring process, hindering its ability to attract skilled talent.
Additionally, the report highlighted concerns about fatigue among air traffic controllers, particularly at metropolitan airports where controllers face prolonged and taxing duty schedules. It warned that the current mismatch between recruitment and training capacity, combined with operational overload, poses a direct threat to airspace safety.
The panel recommended detailed root-cause analyses for runway incursions and other high-risk events, such as bird strikes, to mitigate safety risks. It emphasized the need for improved error reporting systems and aligning existing provisions with the principles of Just Culture in aviation.
While the report is not binding on the government, it has the potential to influence legislative agendas and regulatory changes in the aviation sector. With India’s aviation industry witnessing rapid growth, addressing these staffing and safety challenges is crucial to ensuring the continued safety and efficiency of air travel in the country.
