REGULATORY · MARKET STRUCTURE · INDIA
India expands scrutiny of non-scheduled operators and uncontrolled airfields
Economic Times
15 Feb · 5:45 PM
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Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said the ministry is conducting a “very thorough study” of non-scheduled flight operators and uncontrolled airfields to identify areas requiring action.
Why it matters
The ministry’s study broadens the current focus from operator practices to the governance and safety conditions at uncontrolled airfields, increasing the scope of potential rule or oversight changes. DGCA has already initiated a special safety audit of NSOPs, creating an active enforcement posture while the policy review runs. The review is tied to heightened scrutiny after a fatal LearJet 45 crash involving a non-scheduled operator, and the AAIB preliminary report is expected soon, which can accelerate or shape follow-on measures. Operators using uncontrolled airfields may face tighter access conditions, documentation demands, or oversight triggers depending on findings. The combined audit + study compresses timelines for affected operators because issues can be surfaced through inspections before any formal rulemaking is completed.
Implications
- • NSOPs face higher inspection frequency and audit-driven findings exposure
- • Uncontrolled airfields may see tighter operating conditions or oversight triggers
- • Charter flight availability/costs can shift if operators are grounded or restricted
- • AAIB preliminary report can catalyze rapid regulatory actions
Who is affected
- • Non-scheduled/charter flight operators (NSOPs)
- • Operators and managers of uncontrolled airfields/airstrips
- • Corporate and VIP charter customers using NSOP services
- • Aircraft owners/lessors contracting NSOPs for operations
Source
Read full article on Economic Times →
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