| PYQ Relevance: Q) Examine the development of Airports in India through joint ventures under Public – Private Partnership (PPP) model. What are the challenges faced by the authorities in this regard. (UPSC CSE 2017) |
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on the development of Airports (2017), and ‘application in aviation ’ (2013).
The December 5, 2024, incident involving an Air India Airbus A320 at Goa’s Mopa airport highlights ongoing issues in Indian aviation. The crew rejected takeoff after mistakenly entering a taxiway instead of the runway, a recurring problem. The DGCA, often blaming pilots and neglecting deeper issues, continues to overlook systemic failures in regulation and airline practices, failing to learn from past incidents.
Today’s editorial addresses the systemic challenges in aviation regulation in India. This content can be used in your Mains answer to highlight challenges related to the aviation sector and how should be resolved the challenges.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The repeated occurrence of similar serious aviation incidents in India highlights shortcomings in regulations and training standards.
What are the key challenges related to regulations in Indian Aviation?
- Runway Confusion: There is a long history of runway confusion incidents involving Indian carriers, indicating systemic issues with pilot training and operational protocols.
- Example (1993): A Jet Airways Boeing 737 on its inaugural flight to Coimbatore mistakenly landed at the Sulur airbase of the Indian Air Force instead of the Peelamedu civil airport.
- Regulatory Oversight Failures: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been criticized for its reactive approach to safety incidents, often blaming pilots rather than addressing underlying systemic failures.
- Example(Mopa Airport, December 2024): In a recent incident at Mopa Airport in Goa, a pilot from an Air India Airbus A320 crew was forced to abort takeoff after entering a parallel taxiway instead of the main runway. While the blame was placed on the pilot, such incidents highlight the DGCA’s failure to implement corrective measures across the industry.
- Crew Fatigue and Operational Pressure: Indian regulations regarding flight and duty time limitations are considered weak, leading to crew fatigue and pressure to meet on-time performance (OTP) targets.
- Example (Kozhikode, 2020): The tragic crash of an Air India Express flight in Kozhikode, which resulted in the death of 21 people, was partly attributed to the pilot’s fatigue and decision-making under pressure. The pilot had been under time constraints due to a tight schedule, resulting in a rushed landing.
What are the issues related to Addressing Aviation Safety?
- Inadequate Training: Pilots often lack sufficient training on runway markings and stabilized approach criteria, contributing to repeated errors in navigation and landing.
- Systemic Accountability: There is a lack of accountability among airlines and regulatory bodies for safety lapses, which prevents meaningful changes from being implemented.
- Pressure from Management: Operational pressures imposed by airline management can lead to violations of safety protocols, as crews may prioritize performance metrics over safety considerations.
| What are the international legislations related to aviation accidents signed by India? • Chicago Convention (1944): India is a signatory to the Chicago Convention, which established the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). It sets global standards for aviation safety, air navigation, and accident investigation, obligating India to maintain aircraft airworthiness and investigate aviation incidents. • Annex 13 to the Chicago Convention: India follows Annex 13, which mandates thorough investigations of aviation accidents and incidents, ensuring corrective actions to prevent future occurrences. • Montreal Convention (1999): Ratified by India in 2009, this convention outlines airline liability for passenger injury, death, baggage loss, or cargo damage during international flights, establishing compensation frameworks for aviation incidents. • Warsaw Convention (1929): India is a signatory to the Warsaw Convention, which defines carrier liability for accidents, including passenger injury and death, later modified by the Hague Protocol (1955) and Montreal Convention (1999). • IATA Membership & EU-India Aviation Safety Agreement: India is a member of IATA, ensuring adherence to global safety standards. It also has a safety agreement with the EU to enhance air transport safety and mutually recognize safety protocols. Case study of Singapore Airlines Singapore Airlines is renowned for its commitment to service excellence and operational efficiency, achieved through a comprehensive digital transformation strategy: • Data Utilization: The airline harnessed data analytics to optimize customer service and streamline operations, ensuring a superior travel experience. • Automation of Processes: By automating various processes, Singapore Airlines improved efficiency and reduced operational costs while maintaining high safety standards. • Continuous Innovation: The airline consistently invests in new technologies, which has helped it remain competitive in the global market. |
What should be the steps taken to address the problem related to Aviation Safety? (Way forward)
- Strengthening Regulatory Oversight: The DGCA should enhance its safety audits and ensure strict compliance with ICAO standards to foster a culture of accountability within the aviation sector.
- Improving Pilot Training: Airlines must invest in comprehensive training programs that emphasize understanding runway markings and adherence to stabilized approach criteria to reduce confusion during operations.
- Addressing Crew Fatigue: Revising regulations on flight and duty time limitations is essential to prioritize crew rest and well-being over operational efficiency, thereby enhancing overall safety.
- Promoting Systemic Accountability: Both airlines and regulatory bodies should share responsibility for aviation incidents, implementing systemic changes that prevent recurrence rather than placing blame solely on individual pilots.
