Nearly three weeks on, even though the dust settles over the ill-fated Air India AI 171 flight, there is no clarity around how the catastrophe took place. As the investigation into a “possible sabotage” or software failure continues, any judgement on the plane crash will have to wait. However, the same level of patience should not apply to plugging loopholes in the system. Was the crash an accident or a consequence, aviation industry experts have been unsparing and vocal about the incident; raising not just their brows, but also their voices in the matter. While it could take months or even a year before any definitive conclusions can be drawn about the crash, the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation), AAI (Airports Authority of India), and Bureau of Civil Aviation Industry have found themselves under the scanner of the aviation community, collectively. And rightfully so, because the loopholes often date back to months of negligence and oversight, but the monumental damage and loss of lives takes only a matter of seconds.
The signs are still there
The incident has shed light on the structurally compromised aviation sector. Around three months prior to the tragic incident, a parliamentary panel report had flagged the ‘chronic’ staff shortage in the apex and key regulatory authorities, namely DGCA, BCAS and AAI. The report, presented in Rajya Sabha and laid on the Lok Sabha table on March 25, 2025, had given an insight into what was wrong with the aviation sector in India and how that could be rectified.
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Air travel ecosystem has increased and how
The budget cuts, especially when they are significant and against the exponentially rising air traffic and passengers, is a fatal idea in the longer run. Over the last two years, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has seen budget cuts by nearly one-fifth; from Rs 3,113 crore in 2023-24, the aviation sector was allocated only Rs 2,357 in the 2024-25 budget. A figure further rendered significantly lesser when viewed against the backdrop of constantly increasing passengers. Reportedly, air passenger traffic has increased exponentially in the past decade.
According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation Annual Report 2024, during the FY 2023-24, a total of 66.8 million passengers were carried on international routes by both Indian/foreign carriers as against 54.6 million in the previous year. According to a report released by the DGCA earlier this year, the domestic air passenger traffic increased to touch 161.3 million in 2024. The numbers are in sync with the increase in airports, from 74 in 2014 to 147 in 2022, and with a target of 220 by 2024-25.
Chronic understaffing, budget cuts
Budget cuts have not been the sole blow dealt to the sector; the Parliamentary committee also shed light on the allocation of funds across key aviation bodies. The DGCA commanded the largest share at Rs 30 crore, which is nearly half of the total budget. In comparison, the BCAS and AAIB received Rs 15 crore and Rs 20 crore, respectively. “The committee observes that the capital outlay for budgetary estimate 2025-26 has a distinct imbalance in the allocation of funds across key aviation bodies,” said the report, further stressing that increased airports necessitate proportional growth in security capabilities. “In view of the growing complexity of aviation security threats and the critical nature of accident investigations, the committee finds these allocations relatively modest.”
Flights, routes, passengers — everything is increasing
Against the increase in the entire air travel ecosystem, on the contrary, the DGCA has a vacancy rate surpassing 53 per cent. A concerning number considering the organisation is responsible for safety and efficiency of air travel, and is tasked with overseeing certifications, licenses, approvals and airline operations in line with international standards. The vacancy rate exceeding 50 per cent means the staff shortage is alarming enough to raise fundamental concerns about its capacity to enforce due procedures and adhere to safety standards.
The BCAS is tasked with the security of airlines and all airports against unlawful activities. While the AAI, the government agency under the Civil Aviation, is responsible for developing, maintaining, operating civil airports across the country and provides air navigation services including air traffic control. The AAI, reportedly, has more than 3,200 vacancies unfilled, potentially impacting its efficiency. The repercussions are never directly seen, but ultimately affect passenger safety and security. “The committee is deeply concerned that chronic understaffing in these institutions could undermine safety, security, and service delivery standards, particularly as air traffic volumes continue to rise,” said the Parliamentary Panel report.
For one, the committee urged the ministry to “expedite the recruitment process” to ensure that “regulatory oversight, security enforcement and airport operations are not compromised.” Even if completely irrelevant to the crash, there is also no glossing over the dangers of staff shortage. More staff, more funds, updated systems and efficient allocation and utilisation of available limited resources would be a reassuring start. There is also no denying the existing loopholes in the aviation industry and they need to be plugged with the urgency of a first aid treatment.
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