Parliamentary Panel to Review Aviation Safety After AI-171 Crash in Ahmedabad

 

Rising Concerns After Air India AI-171 Crash

Following the tragic crash of Air India’s AI-171 at Ahmedabad Airport, which resulted in multiple casualties and injuries, serious concerns have resurfaced about the current state of aviation safety in India. The crash has catalyzed a response from lawmakers, regulators, and aviation operators alike, highlighting the urgent need to reassess the robustness of India’s civil aviation safety framework.

Full-Day Parliamentary Session Scheduled

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism, and Culture, led by JD(U) MP Sanjay Jha, has scheduled a full-day session to specifically deliberate on aviation safety and security. This meeting, to be held on Wednesday, will focus on evaluating India’s existing aviation protocols in light of recent safety lapses.

Who Will Be Present?

The session will bring together an array of critical stakeholders, including:

  • Members from both Houses of Parliament

  • Officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)

  • The Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation

  • Senior representatives of the Airports Authority of India (AAI)

  • Executives from key airlines including Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air

  • Representatives of private airport operators such as Adani Group and GMR Group

These participants are expected to present detailed insights into existing operational and infrastructure challenges within the aviation ecosystem.


Broad Agenda: Safety, Oversight & Infrastructure

The meeting is not limited to the AI-171 incident. It aims to conduct a comprehensive policy review, addressing systemic safety failures, operational inefficiencies, and emergency response capabilities across Indian airports.

Key discussion areas include:

  • Maintenance and inspection standards of aircraft

  • Compliance with international aviation norms

  • Upgrades to infrastructure at Tier-2 and Tier-3 airports

  • Implementation of emergency response systems

  • Ensuring regular audits and standardised safety procedures

AAIB Investigation and Global Scrutiny

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has submitted its initial findings on the AI-171 crash to the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Meanwhile, international agencies, notably the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), have raised concerns over India’s adherence to global aviation safety standards.

In response, the DGCA has undertaken multiple audits of both airlines and airport operators to evaluate operational compliance and preparedness. These audits are crucial to regaining international confidence and improving India’s ranking on global aviation safety indices.

India’s Aviation Sector: Growth Amidst Safety Gaps

India is one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world, with over 400 million passengers flying annually. However, the sector’s rapid expansion has often outpaced the development of safety infrastructure and regulatory oversight.

Recent incidents—ranging from emergency landings, runway skids, to bomb hoax calls—have exposed vulnerabilities in both urban and regional airports. These incidents have prompted widespread demand for the modernization of systems such as navigation aids, runway lighting, and air traffic control mechanisms.

Government’s Commitment: Investments and Reforms

The meeting also aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s infrastructure roadmap, which includes plans to invest over ₹1 lakh crore over the next five years to:

  • Construct new airports

  • Expand and modernize existing airport infrastructure

  • Introduce new safety technologies and surveillance systems

This investment initiative reflects the government’s broader ambition to position India as a global aviation hub, with safety and security as non-negotiable priorities.

Strategic Importance of the Meeting

The Parliamentary review session on aviation safety is expected to yield key recommendations for regulatory reforms, policy changes, and budgetary allocations. It is likely to propose stricter accountability mechanisms for airlines and airport operators, while also empowering DGCA to enforce real-time compliance monitoring.

Conclusion: Safety First in the Skies

As India’s aviation industry climbs to global heights, passenger and crew safety must remain central. The Parliament’s proactive review of aviation safety after the AI-171 crash is not just timely—it is critical. The outcomes of this meeting will play a decisive role in restoring public trust, safeguarding lives, and building a world-class aviation ecosystem that meets international benchmarks.


Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India

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