Nearly a month after the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad that killed over 260 people, a parliamentary committee on Tuesday discussed aircraft safety issues with senior officials from the civil aviation ministry and airline and airport representatives. The committee members enquired about the expected timeline for the investigation report on the crash and the analysis of the aircraft’s black boxes.
The deliberations were held during the meeting of the Public Accounts Committee, headed by Congress MP K C Venugopal.
“These are ongoing discussions regarding tariffs, flight fares… The safety aspect was also discussed. All members are very keen on asking questions on safety. This meeting will continue. Once they reply, we will meet again. Some of the questions on safety were answered by the DGCA [Directorate General of Civil Aviation],” Venugopal said.
“We discussed the fare increase because we discussed the post-Pahalgam issue and during Kumbh (fare increase)… The committee asked about clear-cut regulations on fares and on fair play,” he added.
Former civil aviation minister and NCP MP Praful Patel, who is among the committee members, emphasised that the DGCA was well equipped but needed more staff as it “has a shortage of top-level skilled people”.
“Many incidents in the last few weeks post the Ahmedabad air crash needed to be brought into focus. Safety is paramount. Anyone who flies wants to feel safe and assured that they will reach their destination. Unfortunately, in the last few weeks post the Air India crash, many events took place which needed to be… I am not singling out Air India. Few incidents here and there concerning some flights. When a crash happens, everything then becomes sensitive and gets highlighted more,” Patel said, speaking to the media after the meeting.
“So, I just pointed out to the DGCA and to the airlines that they should take safety as paramount… Indian aviation is safe, and there is no need to panic. All protocols are followed… DGCA is well equipped… I have also highlighted that DGCA needs to have more people. They are facing a shortage of top-level, skilled people. A lot of retired senior people can be brought back for short tenures,” he added.
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Some committee members reportedly demanded an audit of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).
Representatives of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, DGCA, Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India, Airports Authority of India, AAI Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company Ltd, BCAS, and other concerned organisations, including airport operators and airlines, briefed the committee on the “levy and regulation of fees, tariffs, user charges etc. on public infrastructure and other public utilities”.
Top airline representatives, including Air India CEO and MD Campbell Wilson, were present at the meeting.
