After the increase in aircraft related accidents and incidents in the country in recent times, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has come into action. On Tuesday (24 February 2026), DGCA held a high-level meeting with non-scheduled operators providing charter flights, private jets and helicopter services. After the meeting, DGCA has announced to implement strict rules.
DGCA says that after reviewing the data of accidents of the last 10 years, it came to light that in many cases, standard operating procedures were not followed properly and there was negligence in flight planning and there were shortcomings in pilot training. Due to these reasons the risk in charter and private flights increased. Now the regulator has made it clear that no compromise on security will be tolerated.
DGCA made these changes
DGCA has bluntly said that from now on security will be paramount in every situation whether it is VIP movement or commercial aircraft. The decision of the pilot in command during the flight will be considered final. If the pilot diverts or cancels the flight due to bad weather or technical reasons, then no pressure can be put on him.
Under the new rules, charter and private flight operators will have to make public the age of the aircraft, maintenance records and experience of the pilot on their website. DGCA will also release the safety ranking of all non-scheduled operators, so that passengers can know how well which operator meets the safety standards.
‘Pilot’s license may be suspended’
DGCA will increase random checking of cockpit voice recorder, flight data and technical logs. If the rules are broken, not only the pilot but also the management of the operator will be held responsible. A pilot’s license can be suspended for breaking flight duty time limits or attempting to land below safety standards. Along with being fined, the operator will also be in danger of having its license or permit cancelled.
Special monitoring will be done on the maintenance of old aircraft and aircraft whose ownership has changed. Operators who have their own maintenance facilities will also be investigated. If they do not meet the standards, they will have to get maintenance done from a recognized agency. According to DGCA, special safety audit of non-scheduled operators will be conducted in two phases. The first phase will be completed in the beginning of March and the second phase after that. Through this, efforts are being made to strengthen the safety culture in the entire sector.
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