DGCA calls for safety review of uncontrolled airstrips, Pg16

Key Highlights:

• The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered an immediate safety review of uncontrolled airstrips across India.
• This action stems from concerns over past accidents and incidents attributed to inadequate safety standards at these facilities.
• An uncontrolled airstrip is characterized by the absence of a functional Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower.
• The review was significantly influenced by a fatal accident on January 28, 2026, at Baramati, an uncontrolled airfield, involving Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar.
• The DGCA issued a safety advisory, urging operators to comply strictly with Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR).

Detailed Insights:

• The DGCA observed that numerous uncontrolled airstrips are not adhering to prescribed maintenance standards, thereby compromising flight safety.
• Operators are mandated to undertake regular inspections and maintenance of essential infrastructure, including runways, taxiways, and visual aids.
• Any identified deficiencies impacting operational safety must be rectified promptly to avert future accidents.
• The advisory underscores the critical necessity of upholding stringent safety standards for all aircraft operations at these airfields.
• The incident at Baramati involving a Learjet 45 highlights the inherent risks associated with non-compliant airstrip operations.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA): India's primary regulatory body for civil aviation safety, responsible for oversight and enforcement.
• Uncontrolled Airstrips: Airfields that operate without the guidance and management of an Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower.
• Air Traffic Control (ATC): A service provided by ground-based controllers to manage and direct aircraft movements on the ground and in controlled airspace.
• Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR): Regulations and standards issued by the DGCA outlining minimum safety and operational requirements for civil aviation in India.