New Delhi, April 2: India’s aviation regulator intensified its safety oversight in early 2026, carrying out 41 audits across airlines, charter operators, and helicopter services between January and March, the government informed Parliament on Thursday.
In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) conducted 29 special audits and 12 regulatory audits during the three-month period as part of its ongoing monitoring of compliance with aviation safety norms.
The minister further stated that in 2025, the DGCA completed 56 regulatory audits and nine safety audits covering aircraft in the civil aviation sector as well as airport operators, indicating a continued focus on strengthening surveillance mechanisms across the industry.
According to the government, the DGCA follows a structured safety oversight framework designed to ensure adherence to aviation rules and Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs). The process includes a range of inspection and monitoring activities such as regulatory audits, night surveillance, ramp inspections, spot checks, and targeted special audits.
The regulator also publishes its Annual Surveillance Plan (ASP) on its official website to outline the scope and schedule of such oversight activities. Findings from audits and inspections are communicated to the concerned operators, with follow-up actions undertaken to ensure compliance. Authorities verify corrective measures during subsequent audits or surveillance exercises.
The minister said the DGCA issued fresh guidelines on March 27 regarding the carriage of central, state, and other dignitaries by aircraft. The directive mandates strict adherence by all stakeholders and calls for the implementation of measures to maintain the highest safety standards in such operations.
As part of its audit strategy, the DGCA has also undertaken safety inspections of Non-Scheduled Operator’s Permit (NSOP) holders in two phases conducted in February and March 2026. Two additional phases of such audits are planned, the minister said, indicating a sustained focus on operators providing charter and non-scheduled aviation services.
NSOP licences allow companies and individuals to operate chartered flights, cargo services, passenger transport, and aerial work without fixed schedules, unlike commercial airlines that follow defined routes and timetables.
The government clarified that any violations or non-compliance identified during audits attract enforcement action, including financial penalties, as part of regulatory measures to ensure accountability.
The update comes in the backdrop of the Baramati air crash, following which the Ministry directed the DGCA to carry out a special audit of VSR Ventures, the operator of the Learjet aircraft involved in the incident.
The data presented in Parliament highlights an increased emphasis on regulatory vigilance in India’s aviation sector amid safety concerns and evolving operational challenges.
