16 air accidents trigger intensified audits, stricter safety checks
Charter, helicopter services under scanner in fresh audit drive
India’s aviation sector has reported 16 accidents, including 8 fatal incidents, across 2025 and early 2026, prompting investigations and a fresh round of safety audits as authorities tighten oversight amid rising air traffic.
Responding in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said all accidents, including recent crashes involving an air ambulance and a helicopter, are under investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in accordance with the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2025.
With safety concerns under scrutiny, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has intensified its surveillance architecture, conducting a mix of regulatory audits, night surveillance, ramp inspections and spot checks across airlines, charter operators and helicopter services.
The audit data reflects a stepped-up regulatory push. In 2025, DGCA conducted 56 regulatory audits and 9 special audits. In 2026 so far, 12 regulatory audits have already been carried out, alongside a sharp spike to 29 special audits, signalling a targeted focus on high-risk areas and operators.
Officials said audit findings are systematically followed up with operators, with compliance verified in subsequent inspections. Any violations or lapses trigger enforcement action, including financial penalties, as part of a stricter accountability framework.
The DGCA has also launched focused safety audits of non-scheduled operator permit (NSOP) holders in two phases during February and March 2026, with two additional rounds planned in the coming months, indicating sustained monitoring of charter and helicopter operations.
In a parallel move, the regulator issued fresh guidelines on March 27, 2026 for the carriage of central and state dignitaries, mandating stricter operational protocols and reinforcing safety standards for such flights.
The government maintained that a comprehensive safety oversight mechanism is already in place, covering all aircraft and airport operators through continuous monitoring under Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs). The Annual Surveillance Plan is also published to ensure transparency in regulatory action.
