The civil aviation industry in India has come a long way since the first plane ran between Allahabad and Naini over the River Yamuna on the 18th of February, 1911. In over 100 years, it has become one of the most significant players in the world and is the 2nd fastest growing market in the world. To be able to manage such a vast market, it is essential for the presence of some ministry that can devise rules and regulations.
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Ministry of Civil Aviation
Part of the Government of India, the Ministry of Civil Aviation takes care of formulation of the various policies and programmes that aid the growth and development of civil aviation in the country. The different schemes that are aimed at improving the quality, security and expansion are also devised by this ministry.
One of its other primary functions is to oversee the various facilities of airports, regulate the air traffic at these airports and with the carriage of goods and passengers on the airplanes. The ministry ensures the implementation of the famous 1934 Aircraft Act.
Several other aviation related organizations fall under their control. This includes the Airports Authority of India (AAI), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Air India, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and several others.
Directorate General of Civil Aviation
This is a regulatory body under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. One of their primary tasks is related to the investigation of aviation incidents, including accidents. They aim to promote efficient and safe air transport by proactive systems that will ensure the safety of everyone working with or using the services of the Civil Aviation Industry in India. This can include passengers, pilot, support staff, airport authorities, mechanics and anyone employed by airports and airlines.
The Government of India aims to replace the DGCA with a different organization, called the Civil Aviation Authority. They intend to structure it similarly to the Federal Aviation Authority of the United States of India. It has been estimated that establishing a new organization will cost about 112 crores. The members of the CAA would be specialists in the field of aircraft engineering, safety, and flight procedures.
Airports Authority of India
Also under the ministry of Civil Aviation, it is entirely responsible for the infrastructure of civil aviation in the country. These activities include maintaining, creating, upgrading and managing all the support. They have a total of 125 airports under their wing, of which eighteen are international airports, 78 are domestic airports, 26 are military airfields, and 7 are exclusive customs airports.
Additionally, they also provide facilities for passengers and even the information system at the airports. To find something such as the New Delhi to Goa Flight Schedule, the AAI is the one which offers schedules to people. They also provide visual aids and communications and navigational aids. The cargo terminals at various domestic and international airports are also developed and managed by the AAI. Operation areas such as taxiways and runways are also strengthened and expanded by the AAI.
Several other bodies are also present and are crucial for the seamless functioning of the industry.