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News18
2 days ago
- Business
- News18
Months Before Air India Crash, Parliamentary Report Flagged Safety Risks, Funding Imbalances
Last Updated: A March 2025 parliamentary report flagged a major imbalance in aviation budget allocations. It also raised concerns over chronic vacancies in key aviation regulatory agencies. The Air India plane crash on June 12 has brought a parliamentary standing committee report from March back in focus, because it flagged a 'discrepancy in funding", thus raising questions on the prioritisation of regulatory compliance over security infrastructure and accident investigation capabilities. According to multiple media reports, the report also questioned the high number of vacancies across key aviation regulatory and operational bodies, particularly in the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), and the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The committee flagged that the 2025-26 allocation of funds across key aviation bodies is skewed, with the DGCA commanding the largest share of the budget in comparison to the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). 'The Committee observes that the Capital Outlay for BE [budgetary estimate] 2025-26 has a distinct imbalance in the allocation of funds across key aviation bodies. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), entrusted with regulatory oversight, commands the largest share of Rs 30 crore-nearly half of the total budget," the report said. 'While its role in ensuring compliance with aviation standards is indisputable, the justification for such a significant allocation must be carefully examined to ensure efficiency and accountability. The discrepancy in funding raises important questions about the prioritisation of regulatory compliance over security infrastructure and accident investigation capabilities," it stated. The committee said that in comparison to the Rs 30 crores allotted to the DGCA, the BCAS and the AAIB together receive a far more 'modest" allocation in view of 'growing complexity of aviation security threats and the critical nature of accident investigations". 'In contrast, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) receive Rs 15 crore and Rs 20 crore, respectively. While regulatory compliance remains essential, the rapid expansion of aviation infrastructure, with airports increasing from 74 in 2014 to 147 in 2022 and a target of 220 by 2024-2025, necessitates proportional growth in security capabilities and accident investigation resources." 'In view of the growing complexity of aviation security threats and the critical nature of accident investigations, the Committee finds these allocations relatively modest," the report mentioned. Further, the committee recommended 'regular performance evaluations of DGCA and BCAS funding to ensure that these resources translate into tangible improvements in aviation safety, regulatory efficiency, and security preparedness". Also highlighting the high number of vacancies across key aviation regulatory and operational bodies, the Committee stated it was deeply concerned that chronic understaffing in these institutions could undermine safety, security, and service delivery standards, particularly as air traffic volumes continue to rise. GOVT SETS UP NEW PANEL TO PROBE AHMEDABAD PLANE CRASH On June 14, two days after the horrific Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, the government set up a high-level panel to investigate the causes of the Ahmedabad plane crash and the investigation is progressing smoothly. 'Decoding the black box is going to give in-depth insight into what happened moments before the plane crash," Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said at a briefing in the national capital. Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha said the investigation is going on smoothly. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is probing the crash. He said that the aircraft took off at 1.39 pm and within a few seconds, after reaching a height of about 650 feet, it started sinking. At 1.39 pm, the pilot informed Ahmedabad ATC that it was a May Day– full emergency." According to ATC, Sinha said, when it tried to contact Air India aircraft the ATC did not receive any response. Exactly one minute later, the plane crashed in Meghaninagar, about 2 km from the airport. According to him, the aircraft started losing its height after reaching 650 feet. Air India's Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, operating a flight from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed soon after takeoff on Thursday afternoon. Out of the 242 people on board the plane, only one person survived. Before the accident, the aircraft had operated the Paris-Delhi-Ahmedabad route and had completed its flight successfully, the civil aviation secretary said. ALSO READ | Air India To Cut International Services Amid Ongoing Safety Checks On Boeing 787 Fleet About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
Time of India
01-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Air India to shift maintenance work from Turkish firm as it 'looks to adjust plans' amid geopolitical tensions
Image used for representative purposes Air India announced its plans to reduce its reliance on Turkish Technic for the maintenance of its wide-body aircraft, redirecting operations to alternative Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, according to CEO Campbell Wilson. The move comes in light of recent geopolitical developments involving Turkiye. In May, Turkiye voiced support for Pakistan and condemned India's anti-terror operations. In response, India's Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) revoked the security clearance of Turkish company Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd on May 15, citing concerns over "national security". Subsequently, on May 30, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) granted a final three-month extension to IndiGo for operating two damp-leased Boeing 777 aircraft from Turkish Airlines. The extension is valid until August 31, with a directive to terminate the lease within that period. Also read: I ndiGo confirms order for 30 more Airbus A350s, strengthens wide-body fleet Addressing questions regarding Air India's ongoing use of Turkish Technic for wide-body aircraft maintenance, Wilson pointed to the global nature of aviation supply chains but underlined the airline's responsiveness to geopolitical shifts and public sentiment. "It does take a while to adjust when the circumstances change around us but we are obviously sensitive to the national sentiment and perhaps the national wishes. So, regardless of which country we are talking about, we would clearly take cognisance of what people like us to do and expect us to do," Wilson said in an interview with PTI. Turkish Technic currently conducts heavy maintenance for a portion of Air India's Boeing 777 and 787 fleet. Wilson said Air India would temporarily redirect aircraft requiring MRO services to facilities in the Middle East, South East Asia, the US, and, on a limited basis, still to Turkish Technic, until domestic capacity is developed. "With this most recent development, we will look to recalibrate where we sent our aircraft, reduce the amount that we are sending to Turkiye and send it to other places," he said. "But that does take some time because aircraft have to be maintained... we are cognisant of recent developments and we will look to adjust our plans," he added. Also read: Air India eyes 200 narrow-body aircrafts in fresh talks with Airbus, Boeing, claims report During the PTI interview, the Air India CEO also explained that when faced with external challenges like supply chain disruptions and airspace concerns, the airline "just learns to adapt and move on" accordingly. "When you are trying to do a turnaround, there are so many things that require us to act to prove ourselves... the objective is very very clear and hasn't changed in the slightest, the opportunity hasn't changed in the slightest, in fact if anything it has got more clear at the scale of the opportunity," he said. Air India has witnessed substantial growth in both passenger and cargo operations since privatisation, according to Wilson. The cargo division's revenue has surged to more than triple its previous figures, whilst passenger revenue has shown a twofold increase during this timeframe. "Again, huge upside, non-stop service into key points around the world, more focus on cargo, better systems, more consistent product delivery, all of these things mean we are a much more credible player in the cargo space. (There is) significant upside opportunity," he said. Air India currently operates a fleet of 191 aircraft, including 64 wide-body jets. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
New Indian Express
27-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Hostilities with Pak suspended, but it's not business as usual yet
Though hostilities with Pakistan have been suspended, it is not business as usual. Following security concerns expressed by the Union government, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has revoked the security clearance of Istanbul-based airport ground handling firm, Celebi Airport Services India. Celebi, an old player in airport services, and with 10,000 employees in India, now faces the prospect of being ousted from the 9 airports it had ongoing contracts. The trigger has been Turkey's undiluted support for Pakistan. Not only did Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan greet the Pakistani PM Shebaz Sharif as 'his brother', but he ensured a steady supply of Turkey's advanced Bayraktar drones launched on India. In its defense, Celebi has said it has no political affiliations, that it is not a Turkish government organization, and it is not owned by Turkish capital. The company points out it is in existence since 1958 as a global airport services firm. Its majority 50 percent owner is Actera Partners, a New Jersey-registered fund, while 15 percent is held by Alpha Airport Sevices BV, a Netherlands company. It goes without saying national and security interests are paramount, and must prevail over business interests. Business organisations have been known to be moles working for the enemy. In this case though, Celebi has run the security gauntlet and had been given a license to operate in India. Has some new, palpable evidence changed that perception? One can understand Turkey needs to be taught a lesson. But should a company with a fairly long run in India, and with no apparent evidence of security breaches, become the collateral damage?
Hindustan Times
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif walks hand-in-hand with Turkey's Erdogan, lauds 'resolute support' against India
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul and thanked him for his support during the recent military conflict between New Delhi and Islamabad. The meeting comes amid diplomatic tension between India and Turkey over the latter's support to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. 'Had the honour of meeting my dear brother President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul this evening. Thanked him for his resolute support to Pakistan in the recent Pakistan-India standoff, which resulted in Pakistan's overwhelming victory, Alhamdolillah! Conveyed the sentiments of gratitude from the people of Pakistan to their Turkish brothers and sisters,' said Sharif in a post on X. He also shared a photo of himself walking hand-in-hand with Erdogan. 'We also reviewed the ongoing progress of our multifaceted bilateral engagements particularly in trade and investment and reaffirmed our resolve to continue working closely to further strengthen these unshakable bonds of brotherhood and cooperation. Long live Pakistan Turkiye Friendship,' he added. Replying to Sharif's post, Erdogan said that the two leaders discussed several critical issues, including economy, trade, and security. 'We reaffirmed and strengthened our determination to enhance the deep-rooted historical, human, and political relations between Türkiye and Pakistan in all areas,' he wrote. Also read: Amid boycott calls for Turkey, PM Modi says more Indians choosing domestic vacations As my dear brother @CMShehbaz expressed, we further solidified the unshakable bonds, cooperation, solidarity, and brotherhood between our countries and peoples. I convey my heartfelt affection to our Pakistani brothers through Mr. Sharif. I thank him and his delegation for their visit. May our Lord make our unity, togetherness, and brotherhood everlasting…' he added. Tensions between India and Turkey heightened after the latter showed support to Pakistan during the four-day military conflict between New Delhi and Islamabad. Pakistan also used Turkey-made drones during the conflict, fuelling the tensions. India on Thursday, May 22, said that it expects Turkey to 'strongly urge' Pakistan to end its support to cross-border terrorism and take action against the terrorist ecosystem. 'We expect Turkey to strongly urge Pakistan to end its support to cross-border terrorism and take credible and verifiable actions against the terror ecosystem it has harboured for decades,' the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said last week. India's Bureau of Civil Aviation Security also revoked clearance of Turkish aviation firm Celebi, which earlier provided ground-based services at nine airports across India – Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, Kannur, Chennai, and the MOPA airport in Goa. According to Jaiswal, the issue has been discussed with the Turkish Embassy in India. "Celebi matter has been discussed with the Turkish Embassy here. But I understand that this particular decision was taken by the Civil Aviation Security..." he said.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Time of India
Bar on visitors at city airport to continue amid heightened vigil
1 2 Bhubaneswar: With the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) extending the red alert at Biju Patnaik International Airport here for seven more days following the recent tensions between India and Pakistan, common visitors will not be allowed to enter the BPIA. Additionally, the activation of BPIA's anti-hijacking cell will remain in force, and a high alert status will be maintained. Earlier, BPIA authorities conducted a comprehensive review of navigational assets to ensure operational security. "Until further notice, the airport will be out of bounds for common visitors in view of the recent tensions. Secondary ladder point check (SLPC) will be in place for some more days. The second layer of security check is carried out in emergency situations and on special occasions," said airport director Prasanna Pradhan. Sources said the last time the airport authorities activated SLPC was following a threat mail from Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Airport officials said that minutes before passengers board a flight, their bags will be scanned, and they may be frisked, which is not done usually. Normally, after the primary security check by CISF personnel before proceeding to the departure lounge, no further checking is done. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo Airport sources said in view of the tensions, the BCAS issued directions to airport authorities not to provide visitor passes for entering terminal buildings. On an average, around 200 people visit the airport every day. The visitors include tourists and relatives and friends of passengers. Bhubaneswar airport is treated as sensitive by BCAS. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !
