Centre Tightens Aviation Safety Net Post-Pawar Crash

Nationwide Inspection Drive  
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has directed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and state governments to jointly inspect uncontrolled airstrips. These facilities, often used by chartered flights and political leaders, lack air traffic control systems, leaving pilots to self-coordinate.  

Safety Concerns  
The inspection will assess infrastructure gaps, communication facilities, firefighting readiness, and coordination with local authorities. Officials emphasize that most of these airstrips are state-owned and not subject to routine DGCA oversight, creating a regulatory blind spot that needs urgent correction.  

Future Framework  
The findings will help formulate a national safety framework to monitor and regulate non-ATC airstrips. This initiative is expected to strengthen aviation safety standards and restore public confidence in regional air travel.  

Key Highlights  

• Centre orders inspection of 400 uncontrolled airstrips  
• Triggered by Ajit Pawar’s fatal Baramati crash on January 28  
• DGCA and states to jointly oversee inspections  
• Focus on infrastructure, communication, and emergency readiness  
• Move aims to create uniform safety standards nationwide  

Conclusion  
The Centre’s inspection drive marks a critical step toward addressing long-standing safety concerns at uncontrolled airstrips. By closing regulatory gaps and enhancing preparedness, India seeks to ensure safer skies and prevent future tragedies.  

Sources: ANI, Moneycontrol, Times of India