DGCA's Comprehensive Safety Audits: Ensuring Air Travel Security in India
Safety Oversight by DGCA
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has conducted a total of 29 special audits and 12 regulatory audits on various airlines, charter services, and helicopter operators between January and March of this year, as reported to Parliament on Thursday.
In addition, the Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, revealed that in 2025, there were 56 regulatory audits and 9 safety audits performed on aircraft and airport operators within the civil aviation sector.
The DGCA employs a structured safety oversight framework to ensure adherence to the Rules and Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs) for all aircraft and airport operators. This oversight includes various methods such as regulatory audits, night inspections, ramp checks, spot inspections, and special audits.
The aviation authority regularly updates its Annual Surveillance Plan (ASP) on its official website. Any findings from audits and inspections are communicated to the respective operators for necessary compliance, which is then verified in subsequent audits.
On March 27, the DGCA issued guidelines regarding the transportation of Central, State, and other dignitaries by aircraft, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to safety protocols by all involved parties.
The DGCA has also carried out safety audits for non-scheduled operator's permit (NSOP) holders in two phases, with the first phase taking place in February 2026 and the second in March. Plans for two additional phases of audits for NSOP holders are underway.
Should any violations or non-compliance be identified during these audits, the DGCA is empowered to take enforcement actions, which may include financial penalties.
An NSOP is a vital license in the Indian aviation sector, granted by the DGCA, allowing entities to operate charter flights, cargo services, and aerial work without adhering to a fixed schedule.
In contrast to major airlines like IndiGo or Air India, which operate on predetermined routes, NSOP holders offer flexible, on-demand air transport services.
This inquiry follows the tragic Baramati air crash that resulted in the deaths of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and four others. In response, the Ministry has directed the DGCA to perform a special audit of VSR Ventures, the operator of the Learjet involved in the incident.