Who is the New DGCA Chief? Meet Vir Vikram Yadav, the Aviation Regulator's New Face!
Significant Changes in Aviation Leadership
New Delhi: In a significant bureaucratic shift, the government has appointed Vir Vikram Yadav as the new Director General of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), succeeding Faiz Ahmed Kidwai.
Previously serving as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Yadav steps into this pivotal role at a time when the aviation industry is experiencing rapid growth.
With increasing air traffic, expanding airline fleets, and a heightened emphasis on safety, his leadership will be vital for enhancing regulatory oversight.
In the meantime, Kidwai has transitioned to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) as Additional Secretary.
He had assumed the DGCA leadership in January 2025, holding the position for just over a year.
This reshuffle occurs at a crucial moment for the aviation sector, as the DGCA is actively overseeing airline safety, fleet growth, airport infrastructure, and adherence to regulations amid the surge in both domestic and international air travel.
The regulator is essential in upholding air safety standards, granting licenses, and ensuring operational effectiveness throughout the aviation landscape.
In addition to this appointment, the government has revealed several other senior-level changes.
Puneet Kansal has been designated as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, while Mona K. Khandar has been appointed Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Gyanendra D. Tripathi will take on the role of Additional Secretary in the Department of Agricultural Research and Education, also serving as Secretary of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
Vishal Gagan has been named Secretary of the Central Information Commission at the rank of Additional Secretary, and N. Gulzar will act as Member Secretary of the National Capital Region Planning Board under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
Diwakar Nath Misra has been appointed Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Power, while Debasish Prusty will serve as Additional Secretary in the Department of Financial Services under the Ministry of Finance.
Sridhar Chiruvolu has also been promoted to Additional Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office.