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DGCA Conducts 41 Safety Audits in Q1, Issues New Guidelines for Dignitary Flights

The DGCA conducted 29 special audits and 12 regulatory audits from January to March as part of its safety oversight. Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol informed Parliament about the systematic oversight mechanism, which includes various inspections and follow-ups for compliance. The regulator has also issued new mandatory guidelines for flights carrying dignitaries to uphold the highest safety standards. These actions come in the context of heightened scrutiny following the fatal Baramati air crash.

Key Points: DGCA Safety Audits: 41 Checks Jan-Mar, New Dignitary Flight Rules

  • 29 special audits in Q1
  • New dignitary flight safety guidelines
  • Phased safety audits of NSOP holders
  • Enforcement action for violations
3 min read

DGCA carried out 29 special audits of aircraft to ensure safety in January-March: Minister

DGCA conducted 29 special & 12 regulatory audits Jan-Mar. Minister Mohol details safety oversight, new dignitary flight guidelines, and NSOP audits.

"The DGCA has a systematic safety oversight mechanism for monitoring compliance - Minister Murlidhar Mohol"

New Delhi, April 2

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has carried out as many as 29 "special audits" and 12 "regulatory audits" of airlines, charter operators, and helicopter services as part of the safety oversight exercise from Jan-March this year, the Parliament was informed on Thursday.

Similarly, 56 regulatory audits and 9 safety audits of aircraft in the civil aviation sector and airport operators were conducted in 2025, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

The DGCA has a systematic safety oversight mechanism for monitoring compliance with the Rules and Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs) encompassing all aircraft and airport operators. The safety oversight process includes regulatory audits, night surveillances, ramp inspections, spot checks, and special audits, the minister said.

The aviation regulator publishes the Annual Surveillance Plan (ASP) on its website. Findings of audits, surveillances and spot checks are followed up with the operator concerned for compliance. Further, the compliance of action taken by the operator is verified during the next audit or surveillance exercise, he said.

The DGCA also issued an order, dated March 27, on "Guidelines for carriage of Central, State and other dignitaries by aircraft" for strict compliance by all stakeholders and mandates the adoption of effective measures to uphold the highest standards of safety in the operation of such flights, the minister stated.

He said that DGCA has conducted safety audits of non-scheduled operator's permit (NSOP) holders in two phases. While the first one was carried out in February 2026, the second followed in March. Further, the DGCA has planned two more phases of safety audits of NSOP holders.

In case of any violations or non-compliance with regulations detected during the audit, the DGCA takes enforcement action, which includes the imposition of a financial penalty.

An NSOP is a crucial license in Indian aviation issued by the DGCA. It authorises companies or individuals to operate chartered flights, passenger transport, cargo services, and aerial work without following a fixed, published timetable.

Unlike major airlines such as IndiGo or Air India that operate on set routes, NSOP holders provide on-demand, flexible air transport.

The question came against the backdrop of the Baramati aircrash in which Maharashtra Deputy CM and NCP supremo Ajit Pawar and four others died.

Following the accident, the Ministry asked the DGCA to conduct a special audit of VSR Ventures, the company that was operating the Learjet plane involved in the crash.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the number of audits seems impressive, the real test is the follow-up. The article says findings are followed up for compliance, but is that process transparent? We need to know if penalties are actually enforced and if safety improves. Just conducting audits is not enough.
A
Arjun K
Special focus on NSOP holders is crucial. Charter flights and helicopters often fly VIPs and operate in remote areas. Their safety standards must be as rigorous as the scheduled airlines. Jai Hind!
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Sarah B
As a frequent flyer in India, I appreciate this update. It's good to know there's a system. But I wish the Annual Surveillance Plan was more user-friendly for the public to understand. Maybe a simple dashboard?
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Vikram M
The timing of this report, right after the Baramati crash, is telling. It feels like a reaction rather than a consistent policy. DGCA needs to be strict always, not just when there's public pressure. Still, better late than never.
K
Kavya N
Financial penalties are a good deterrent, but for repeated or severe violations, the license should be suspended or cancelled. No compromise on lives. The guidelines for dignitaries' flights are a welcome step too.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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