New Delhi: The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to establish an autonomous, statutory Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), arguing that India’s aviation regulator must evolve alongside the sector’s rapid expansion.
In a proposal dated August 6, FIP President Capt CS Randhawa said India, now the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market, continues to rely on the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), an attached office of the Civil Aviation Ministry.
The federation said the DGCA faces limitations in administrative autonomy, finances, recruitment of specialists and timely decision-making.
India now has more than 850 commercial aircraft and over 239 million passengers, while drones and advanced air mobility are adding regulatory complexity.
The FIP cited International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) safety audits and Parliamentary Standing Committee recommendations that called for stronger regulatory independence, staffing, resources and accountability.
It also revived earlier CAA reform efforts, including a proposal studied in 2009-10 and legislation that lapsed after gaining momentum in 2013-14.
The proposed CAA would oversee safety, airworthiness, licensing, certification, consumer protection and compliance. The FIP has proposed a dedicated fund supported by user fees and licensing charges, market-based hiring of aviation experts and a professional board with fixed-term appointments.
Copies were also sent to Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and senior government officials.
