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Commercial Interests vs. Aviation Safety
The recent cancellations of flights by Indigo have highlighted a significant issue in India's aviation sector where commercial interests are overshadowing safety concerns. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation have come under scrutiny for prioritizing commercial operations over crew fatigue and passenger safety.
Key Issues
- Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL)
- The DGCA's FDTL orders, aimed at regulating pilot work hours to prevent fatigue, were suspended to stabilize operations after widespread cancellations by Indigo.
- The need to dilute FDTL for commercial interests undermines aviation safety, prompting criticism from various quarters.
- Judicial Interventions
- The Bombay High Court criticized the Ministry and DGCA for compromising safety by extending pilots' duty hours instead of reducing flight numbers.
- Despite initially siding with safety, the same court later reversed its decision, siding with commercial interests.
- Regulatory Concerns
- Indigo and other airlines have been accused of underemploying the necessary number of flight crews, leading to fatigue and safety risks.
- The DGCA’s CAR requirements have been allegedly manipulated to favor commercial interests over safety.
- International Observations
- The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has previously recommended India establish an independent aviation authority to avoid government manipulation.
- India's aviation safety oversight has been deemed inadequate, with the DGCA’s actions criticized for lacking independence.
Conclusion and Outlook
The ongoing tension between commercial interests and aviation safety in India is a cause for concern. Despite assurances from airline operators and the government that safety is a priority, recent actions suggest otherwise, with operational exigencies often taking precedence over strict adherence to safety norms. The aviation sector in India faces the challenge of balancing commercial viability with the safety of its passengers and crew. ```
