Aiation oversight revamp: DGCA rolls out ‘360-degree’ special audits; multi-disciplinary teams to inspect airlines, airports, MROs

Seeking to plug systemic safety gaps exposed by recent accidents, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has introduced a special-audit framework that promises a 360-degree evaluation of India’s entire aviation ecosystem, replacing the existing “silo” style of inspections.In a circular dated June 19, the regulator said the new mechanism transcends the current domain-wise checks undertaken by separate directorates and “will focus on examining safety-management systems, operational practices and regulatory adherence across all aviation domains.”The initiative comes a week after the fatal crash of an Air India Ahmedabad–London Gatwick flight shortly after take-off, which killed all 241 people on board along with several on the ground, PTI reported. The special audits cover:

These checks, DGCA said, will be in addition to the routine audits in its annual surveillance programme.Multi-disciplinary teamsEach special audit will be led by a senior official at the level of Deputy Director-General or Director, backed by experts drawn from Flight Standards, Air Safety, Airworthiness, Licensing, Aerodrome Standards and Air Navigation Services.The risk-based, integrated approach should “proactively identify systemic vulnerabilities, enhance resilience and ensure strict adherence to ICAO standards,” the circular noted.

Traditionally, DGCA’s oversight functions were “conducted in silos, with different directorates performing inspections specific to their domains,” the circular said. The new framework will “generate a 360-degree evaluation” that highlights both strengths and weaknesses of the sector.India is among the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, making the overhaul critical for sustaining safety as traffic rises, the regulator added.