Parliament Question: Safety oversight and regulation of charter flights

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 4020 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 30th March 2026 SAFETY OVERSIGHT AND REGULATION OF CHARTER FLIGHTS 4020. SHRI IMRAN PRATAPGARHI Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government is aware of concerns raised regarding inadequate safety standards and regulatory oversight in the charter and non-scheduled flight sector; (b) the number of safety violations, incidents and accidents involving charter operators reported during the last five years, operator-wise; (c) whether the DGCA has sufficient manpower and technical capacity to effectively regulate charter flight operators in the country and if so, the details thereof; (d) whether Government propose to strengthen the regulatory framework, increase inspections, impose penalties as deterrents to ensure passenger safety in the charter aviation sector; and (e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor? ANSWER Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION (Shri Murlidhar Mohol) (a) to (e): Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has a systematic safety oversight mechanism for monitoring compliance of Rules and Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs) encompassing all aircraft and airport operators. The safety oversight process includes regulatory audits, night surveillances, ramp inspections, spot check and special audits. DGCA publishes Annual Surveillance Plan (ASP) on its website. Findings of audits, surveillances & spot checks are followed up with concerned operator for compliance. Further, the compliance of action taken by operator is verified during next audit/surveillance. In case of any violations/ non-compliance to regulations detected during audit/surveillance, enforcement action including financial penalty is imposed by DGCA. The details regarding the safety violations, incidents and accidents involving charter operators reported during the last five-years are attached as Annexure.The total number of sanctioned posts in DGCA is 1630. Out of 1630 posts, 441 posts have been created during the period 2022 to 2024 keeping in view of current and future expansion of civil aviation and enhanced role of DGCA as a safety regulator. In last few months, as a part of recruitment exercise, 167 candidates have already been selected/recommended, out of which offer of appointments have also been issued to 106 candidates. Replacement of 42 candidates (Airworthiness Officers) from reserve panel has been requested from UPSC. DR Proposal for 82 posts of different technical cadres for vacancy year 2026 has been sent to UPSC. Recruitment in DGCA is a continuous process. To meet requirements in the interregnum, vacancies are managed by recruiting persons through short terms contractual hiring. Further, the shortfall in manpower has not impacted the safety functions of DGCA. General Safety Circular 01/2025 dated 19.06.2025, has been implemented for comprehensive special audit to assess aviation ecosystem and strengthen aviation safety architecture. DGCA has also issued General Safety Circular 02/2025 dated 11.12.2025 on advance preparedness and timely compliance of specific regulations. In addition, a total of 29 Special Audits have been carried out in year 2026 as per the risk perceived. ******ANNEXURE Details of Safety Violations reported (involving charter operators) during the last five years are as follows:- Year Total 2021 05 2022 09 2023 27 2024 29 2025 46 Details of Accidents reported (involving charter operators) during the last five years are as follows:- Year Chartered (NSOP Fixed Wing) Helicopters 2021 02 Nil 2022 00 03 2023 02 02 2024 00 03 2025 01 04 Details of Incidents reported (involving charter operators) during the last five years are as follows:- Year Total 2021 00 2022 02 2023 03 2024 01 2025 02 *****