New Delhi: A parliamentary panel has raised alarm over what it described as “systemic rather than episodic failures” in India’s aviation safety framework, urging immediate corrective action and the formation of an independent high-level committee to investigate the root causes.
In its latest report, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture highlighted a troubling pattern of accidents and regulatory shortcomings during 2025–26. The panel cited major incidents, including the Ahmedabad crash that claimed 260 lives, an air ambulance crash in Jharkhand that killed seven people, and a chartered plane crash in Baramati.
The report also flagged serious findings from audits conducted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which found defects in 377 out of 754 aircraft inspected. A separate audit of Air India reportedly uncovered nearly 100 safety lapses, while 19 safety violation notices were issued by late 2025. The panel further noted a penalty imposed for operating flights without a valid Airworthiness Review Certificate.
“The pattern… indicates systemic rather than episodic failures in the aviation safety architecture,” the committee observed, stressing the need for urgent intervention.
To address these concerns, the panel has recommended that the Ministry of Civil Aviation constitute an independent High-Level Committee on Aviation Safety. The proposed body would include representatives from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), DGCA, airline operators, international safety organisations and independent experts.
The committee has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive root-cause analysis of safety failures within 90 days. It will examine key areas such as maintenance oversight, pilot training standards, crew fatigue management and the regulatory capacity of the DGCA in a rapidly expanding aviation sector.
Additionally, the panel has called for the creation of a real-time, integrated safety monitoring system linking regulators, airlines and maintenance agencies. It emphasised the need for regular public disclosure of safety indicators to improve transparency and accountability in the sector.
The findings underscore growing concerns about aviation safety in India, with lawmakers pushing for structural reforms to strengthen oversight and prevent future tragedies.
