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First Post
4 days ago
- Business
- First Post
Developing mechanism to curb sharp hikes in airfares during high demand, DGCA tells parliamentary committee
The DGCA said it was also open to the idea of fixing a price ceiling on certain routes during times of high demand read more India's aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has informed a Parliamentary panel that it is working to develop a mechanism to curb sharp increases in airfares during high demand or festive season. The DGCA said it was also open to the idea of fixing a price ceiling on certain routes during times of high demand. Recently, top officials from India's civil aviation ministry and several airlines appeared before Parliament's Public Accounts Committee, where the members expressed concerns about pricing and flight safety. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Meanwhile, some members of the committee, which is chaired by Congress MP KC Venugopal, demanded an audit of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, reported the Economic Times. Preliminary report on Air India crash not submitted yet Sources indicated that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has not yet submitted its report on the crash, as the analysis of the recovered black boxes continues. The bureau remains within the 30-day period mandated for submitting its preliminary findings, with the investigation involving experts from the Indian Air Force, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, the US National Transportation Safety Board, Boeing, and GE Aerospace. Key officials, including Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Sinha, DGCA chief Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson, and top executives from IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa, appeared before the committee. Wilson informed the panel that Air India is addressing frequent complaints about seat conditions and amenities, committing to complete fleet retrofitting within two years while emphasising the airline's dedication to flight safety. Audit of Bureau of Civil Aviation Security demanded Committee members demanded an audit of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), citing multiple operational safety incidents and pressing for a timeline on the AAIB's crash report. Sources confirmed that safety audits of Boeing 787 Dreamliners across various airlines, including Air India's 33 aircraft (26 787-8s and seven 787-9s), have been completed. These audits, mandated by the DGCA post-crash, examined fuel systems, engine controls, cabin air compressors, hydraulics, and take-off parameters, revealing no major safety issues but highlighting maintenance challenges like spare-part delays and coordination lapses. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Former Civil Aviation Minister and PAC member Praful Patel, speaking to reporters, highlighted the DGCA's staffing shortage, with 53 per cent of positions vacant, and proposed hiring retired personnel on short-term contracts to enhance air safety oversight.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Parliamentary panel meets Civil Aviation Ministry, airline officials; ask about AI plane crash, airfare surge
A Parliamentary panel on Tuesday (July 8, 2025) held discussions with senior civil aviation ministry officials as well as airline and airport representatives, with several Parliamentarians mentioning the Air India plane crash and when the probe report will be ready, sources said. The members also raised concerns over a sudden surge in Srinagar airfares following the Pahalgam terror attack in April, sources said. Among other issues, the sources said that some members demanded an audit of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). The Public Accounts Committee (PAC), headed by senior Congress leader K C Venugopal, met the senior officials and airline representatives. Top airline representatives, including Air India CEO and MD Campbell Wilson were present, the sources said. Many panel members mentioned the Air India plane crash on June 12, and one of the members sought to know from the ministry officials about the time frame for completing the analysis of the aircraft's black boxes, the sources said. Around 270 people were killed due to the fatal crash of the London Gatwick-bound Air India plane in Ahmedabad soon after takeoff on June 12. The sources said that several committee members expressed concerns over the sudden rise in airfares for Srinagar flights following the Pahalgam terror attack. The ban was imposed as part of various measures taken by the government against Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people on April 22. Officials from the ministry, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA), Airports Authority of India (AAI), AAI Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company Ltd (AAICLAS) and Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), among others, attended the meeting. The agenda of the meeting is to take oral evidence of the representatives of the ministry, DGCA, AERA, AAI, AAICLAS, BCAS and other concerned organisations, including airport operators and airlines, on the subject 'Levy and regulation of fees, tariffs, user charges, etc. on public infrastructure and other public utilities', as per the Lok Sabha website.
News18
5 days ago
- Politics
- News18
MPs Raise Questions On Air India Crash Probe, Demand Transparency, Independent Audit Of BCAS
Last Updated: MPs questioned the probe panel's composition, experts' credentials, and whether they were formally appointed or offered voluntary assistance in the Air India crash inquiry Several Members of Parliament have raised concerns over the ongoing investigation into the Air India AI 171 crash, questioning the government on the status of the black box analysis and the transparency of the enquiry process, said sources. The issue reportedly surfaced during recent internal discussions, where MPs expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of public communication about the probe's progress. Among the concerns raised were the composition of the investigation committee, the credentials of the experts involved, and whether these experts were engaged formally or had extended voluntary assistance. Lawmakers questioned the methodology used to select the panel, seeking clarity on the professional background and qualifications of those entrusted with a probe of such national importance. The MPs also called for an independent audit of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), the regulatory authority responsible for aviation safety protocols. With passenger safety under the spotlight, the demand for an audit reflects growing pressure on the government to ensure accountability and reinforce public confidence in aviation oversight mechanisms. According to sources, some members had also objected to the Aviation Ministry presenting the same material that had been shared in the previous two meetings. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has submitted its preliminary report on the AI 171 plane crash to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and other concerned authorities, top government sources confirmed. The report is based on initial findings collected during the early phase of the investigation. Although the full contents have not been made public, sources indicate the report highlights key observations including flight data analysis, crew response, weather conditions, and possible mechanical issues. The AAIB will continue its detailed investigation in the coming weeks to determine the root cause of the crash and suggest preventive safety measures. First Published: July 08, 2025, 13:31 IST
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Business Standard
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Delhi HC upholds Celebi security ban, cites national security threat
The Delhi High Court on Monday dismissed Turkey-based company Çelebi Airport Services Private Limited's plea challenging the Indian government's decision to revoke its security clearance. The court said that 'once national security considerations are found to exist, it was not for the Court to 'second guess' the same.' 'As per settled law, once national security considerations are found to exist, on the basis of which the security clearance has been cancelled/revoked, it is not for the Court to 'second guess' the same,' the order said. Justice Sachin Datta upheld the revocation of security clearance of the Turkey-based firm by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) in the interest of national security. On perusal of the relevant information, it transpires that there are compelling national security considerations involved, which impelled the Indian government to revoke the security clearance, the court said. The court further noted that impelling geopolitical considerations, impinging upon the safety of the country, were also involved. '…the executive wing and not the judicial wing has the knowledge of India's geopolitical relationships to assess if an action is in the interest of India's national security,' the order stated. There was a considerable body of judicial dicta to the effect that the State is well within its rights to take pre-emptive measures to protect and preserve national security, the single-judge bench of the High Court said. 'No doubt, the principles of natural justice are sacrosanct; however, it is a compelling constitutional truth that security of the realm is the precondition for enjoyment of all other rights. The State/respondents are indeed justified in taking prompt and definitive action so as to completely obviate the possibility of the country's civil aviation and national security being compromised,' the court said. In its petition to the Delhi High Court, Çelebi Airport Services had said that public perception cannot be grounds for revocation of security clearance. The ground-handling company also submitted that it had been given no reason or opportunity for a hearing. 'We have been carrying the operations for 17 years without blemish. Then we received a letter on May 15 cancelling the security clearance. We were given no reason and no opportunity for hearing. It is because of public perception that the shareholding of the company is of Turkish nationals. But public perception cannot be grounds (for revocation of security clearance). There are 14,000 employees working. The entire business goes for a toss,' Çelebi's lawyers had told the court. Çelebi had also argued that the Indian government's decision to revoke its security clearance was 'arbitrary and devoid of specific reasons.' The Ministry of Civil Aviation, acting through the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), withdrew Çelebi's clearance on 15 May 2025, invoking national security grounds. The move came amid mounting diplomatic tensions after Turkey supported Pakistan during hostilities involving Operation Sindoor. At least seven airports in the country cancelled the services of Çelebi and its subsidiaries. Çelebi challenged the contract cancellations before the High Courts of Madras, Bombay and Gujarat, besides challenging the security revocation before the Delhi High Court. While the pleas are pending in the Gujarat and Bombay High Courts, the Madras High Court had in June granted interim protection to Çelebi Ground Services Chennai under Section 9 (interim protection to parties) of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. Background Çelebi, a wholly owned Indian subsidiary of Turkish parent company Çelebi Aviation Holding, argued that the government's order lacked any prior notice or opportunity to respond. The company described the justification as 'vague' and 'unsubstantiated,' asserting that such actions jeopardise foreign investor confidence and threaten the livelihoods of Indian employees. The company also clarified that while it has Turkish ownership, operational and managerial control of its Indian entity is handled by an India-based team, and that it has maintained a clean track record for over a decade at major airports. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Central government, expressed national security concerns over the firm's presence, and said, 'The enemy can try 10 times and succeed once; a country has to succeed all the time.' 'In cases of civil aviation and national security, there cannot be a doctrine of proportionality,' he added. He also submitted that the individuals employed by the company in question, who are deployed at airports, have access to every corner of the airport as well as the aircraft. 'The government had inputs that it would be hazardous in this scenario, in which the country is in, to leave this activity in the hands of this company,' he said. Mehta maintained that the revocation was rooted in concerns over national security under the Aircraft Security Rules, particularly Rule 12. Rule 12 of the Indian Aircraft (Security) Rules, 2023, grants the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) the power to suspend or cancel security clearances and security programmes. Following the revocation of clearance, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) also terminated its contracts with Çelebi, and in Mumbai, Indothai, a domestic operator, was brought in to take over the firm's ground-handling services.
India Today
6 days ago
- Business
- India Today
Turkish aviation firm's plea against security clearance revocation dismissed
The Delhi High Court on Monday dismissed Turkish aviation firm Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd's petition challenging the government's decision to revoke its security clearance on national security Sachin Datta dismissed the petitions filed by Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd and Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India Pvt Ltd, which manage ground handling and cargo operations at several Indian airports. The verdict had been reserved on May aviation security regulator, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), had withdrawn Celebi's security clearance on May 15, citing national security interests. The decision came days after Turkey openly backed Pakistan and condemned India's strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir (POK), sparking widespread public outrage in India. Celebi, part of Turkey's Celebi group, has been operating in India's aviation sector for over 15 years and employs more than 10,000 people across nine airports. The security clearance now withdrawn had been granted as recently as November Central government's counsel defended the revocation, arguing there was an "unprecedented threat" to aviation security that justified immediate action. In an affidavit filed on May 19, the Centre said the clearance was withdrawn based on specific inputs that continuing Celebi's services would pose risks under the current for the company, Celebi's counsel argued that the government's move violated principles of natural justice and the procedure laid down under the Aircraft Security Rules. He contended that the Director General of BCAS should have issued a notice, provided an opportunity for a hearing, and recorded reasons before taking such an extreme government, however, maintained that the security clearance was revoked "with immediate effect in the interest of national security". The aviation ministry and junior aviation minister Murlidhar Mohol also defended the decision, citing public demands to ban Celebi due to Turkey's stance on the High Court's dismissal, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security's revocation order stands, directly impacting Celebi's operations in India. The detailed judgment will be uploaded shortly.- Ends
