Relevance: GS-3 (Infrastructure—Aviation, Regulatory Governance), GS-2 (Consumer Protection) • Source: The Hindu; DGCA CAR Guidelines

Following severe flight disruptions, crew shortages, and passenger complaints (refund delays, baggage issues), the DGCA deployed nine officials to IndiGo’s headquarters to conduct real-time monitoring of fleet planning, pilot rostering, and passenger compensation. IndiGo’s CEO has been summoned for regulatory review.

Implications for IndiGo & the Aviation Sector

• Signals a shift towards proactive regulatory surveillance rather than post-facto penalties.
  
• Reinforces mandatory compliance with passenger compensation norms (e.g., ₹10,000 for cancellations, ₹20,000 for baggage delays/damage).
  
• The sector may see tighter oversight on flight duty limitations, seasonal planning, and crisis management.

About DGCA

• DGCA is India’s civil aviation regulator under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
• Can conduct surprise audits, impose restrictions, and recommend suspension of operations.
• Regulates air safety, airworthiness, licensing of pilots/engineers, and air transport services.
• Frames and enforces standards, such as Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) , under the Aircraft Act, 1934 and Aircraft Rules, 1937.
• Accident investigation is done by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), not DGCA.

Q. With reference to India’s civil aviation regulation, consider the following statements:

1. DGCA issues Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR), which are legally binding on all scheduled airlines.
2. DGCA is the statutory authority responsible for investigating civil aircraft accidents in India.
3. Enforcement of pilot Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) falls under the regulatory domain of DGCA.

Select the correct answer:
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 1 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

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