Pilots' Body Writes To PM Modi Seeking Creation Of Autonomous Aviation Regulator To Replace DGCA
News india Pilots' Body Writes To PM Modi Seeking Creation Of Autonomous Aviation Regulator To Replace DGCA Pilots' Body Writes To PM Modi Seeking Creation
News india Pilots' Body Writes To PM Modi Seeking Creation Of Autonomous Aviation Regulator To Replace DGCA Pilots' Body Writes To PM Modi Seeking Creation Of Autonomous Aviation Regulator To Replace DGCA Published By, Last Updated: August 08, 2026, 23:07 IST FIP urges PM Modi to establish an independent Civil Aviation Authority, citing India's growing aviation market and the DGCA's limitations. The proposal calls for replacing the DGCA with an independent statutory regulator equipped with greater financial, administrative and technical autonomy. (Representative image) The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has called for a major overhaul of India’s aviation regulatory framework, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to set up an independent and statutory Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). In a proposal sent to the Prime Minister on August 6, FIP president Capt CS Randhawa argued that India’s position as the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market warrants a stronger regulatory institution.
He pointed out that, unlike several other major economies in the region, India continues to operate under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which functions as an attached office of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, ANI reported. According to the FIP, the scale of India’s aviation industry has expanded rapidly, with the commercial aircraft fleet crossing 850 and annual passenger traffic exceeding 239 million. The emergence of newer sectors, including drones and advanced air mobility, has further increased the responsibilities placed on the existing regulatory structure. Pilots’ Body Highlights Shortcomings In DGCA’s Existing Structure The FIP proposal highlights several shortcomings in the DGCA’s existing structure, including limited institutional autonomy, bureaucratic delays in approvals and difficulties in recruiting specialised aviation professionals due to government pay scales. It also flagged financial dependence, noting that DGCA revenues are transferred to the Consolidated Fund of India, leaving the regulator reliant on annual government allocations.
The FIP cited Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka, which have autonomous statutory aviation authorities, as examples India could follow. What Are The Demands Of Pilots’ Body? The proposal draws from earlier reform efforts, including the lapsed 2013 Civil Aviation Authority Bill. It recommends creating a dedicated Civil Aviation Authority Fund through user fees, licensing charges and safety audit fees. The authority would also be allowed to hire industry specialists at market-linked salaries. The blueprint further calls for a professional board comprising a chairperson, Director General and experts in aviation safety, airworthiness, navigation, consumer affairs and environmental compliance, along with dedicated passenger grievance and environmental mechanisms. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Manisha Roy Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk.
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