DGCA directs uncontrolled airstrip operators to review safety standards immediately

India's aviation regulator has directed operators of uncontrolled airstrips and airfields to immediately assess the operational condition of their facilities and rectify any deficiencies that could compromise flight safety.

In an advisory dated June 11, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) instructed airport and airstrip operators to undertake a comprehensive review of infrastructure and ensure strict compliance with applicable safety requirements. The directive comes amid concerns about the condition of several uncontrolled airfields and follows accidents and incidents reported at such facilities.

According to Press Trust of India (PTI), the regulator has also urged operators to strengthen inspection and maintenance practices to ensure facilities remain safe and operational throughout the year.

Regulator raises concerns over maintenance standards

The DGCA said its Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) prescribe the minimum safety standards that must be followed by operators of airstrips used for aircraft operations.

However, the regulator noted that several uncontrolled airstrips are not being maintained in accordance with prescribed norms, creating potential safety risks for aircraft operations.

In the advisory, the DGCA directed operators to carry out periodic inspections and maintenance of critical infrastructure, including:

• Runways

• Taxiways

• Aprons

• Visual aids

• Airfield markings

• Drainage systems

• Boundary fencing

• Access control arrangements

The regulator said any deficiencies affecting operational safety should be addressed without delay and operators should allocate adequate resources to maintain serviceable infrastructure.

Focus sharpens after accidents at uncontrolled airfields

The advisory comes against the backdrop of accidents and incidents that have highlighted safety concerns at uncontrolled airfields.

According to PTI, the DGCA acknowledged that past accidents occurring at or near such facilities underline the importance of maintaining adequate safety standards.

One of the most significant recent incidents was the January 28 LearJet 45 crash near Baramati airport, an uncontrolled airfield in Maharashtra.

The aircraft, owned by VSR Ventures, crashed near the airport, killing all five people on board, including Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

The accident drew renewed attention to safety infrastructure and operational procedures at uncontrolled airfields that continue to support charter, training and non-scheduled operations.

Licensing push for frequently used airstrips

As part of the latest directive, the DGCA has also asked operators of uncontrolled airstrips that are regularly used for aircraft operations to obtain an aerodrome licence.

The move aligns with recommendations made by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in its preliminary report on the Baramati crash released on February 28.

Among the recommendations cited by PTI were:

• Enhancing landing aids at uncontrolled airfields

• Improving basic meteorological facilities

• Assessing the feasibility of licensing uncontrolled aerodromes

• Strengthening regulatory oversight of flight operations

The AAIB also recommended that operators conducting Visual Flight Rules (VFR) operations at uncontrolled airfields adhere strictly to established standard operating procedures.

Uncontrolled airfields remain important to aviation ecosystem

Uncontrolled airstrips continue to play an important role in India's aviation network, particularly for charter services, flying training organisations, business aviation and non-scheduled operations.

At such airfields, traffic information is typically provided by instructors and pilots associated with local flying training organisations rather than air traffic controllers.

According to aviation reference platform SKYbrary, an uncontrolled aerodrome is an aerodrome that does not have an operating control tower.

While these facilities support aviation activity across the country, the DGCA's latest advisory signals growing regulatory focus on ensuring that infrastructure, maintenance standards and operational procedures keep pace with safety requirements.

With aircraft movements increasing across India's aviation sector, the regulator's push for stricter compliance, regular inspections and licensing could lead to stronger oversight of uncontrolled airfields in the months ahead.