RTI Reveals 40% Staff Shortage in DGCA Safety Wings, Raises Aviation Safety Concerns

An RTI disclosure has revealed a significant staffing shortage within India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), raising concerns about its ability to effectively monitor safety compliance and enforce aviation regulations.

According to the RTI response, nearly 40 percent of positions in key safety divisions remain vacant. The shortage has triggered questions about regulatory oversight at a time when aviation safety is under increased scrutiny due to recent incidents.

The RTI application was filed following the January 28 incident involving an aircraft linked to Ajit Pawar. It sought detailed information regarding DGCA oversight of non-scheduled operator permit (NSOP) holders between January 2023 and December 2025. The application requested data on safety audits conducted, major violations detected, and enforcement actions taken.

The RTI also asked for records of instances where aircraft or helicopter components were used beyond prescribed expiry limits, along with details of operators that were penalised, suspended, or grounded. Additionally, it sought findings related to the September 2023 Learjet 45 crash involving VSR Ventures, including observations on pilot training standards and unstabilised approaches.

DGCA Response and Staffing Data

In its reply, the DGCA stated that the Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) responsible for the response handles only cadre management of Group ‘A’ Technical Officers and does not maintain the operational records requested. The application has been forwarded to other concerned offices for further response.

While the regulator did not provide operational details, the response included staffing figures that highlight significant shortages in its core safety divisions.

The Airworthiness Wing, responsible for monitoring aircraft maintenance standards and regulatory compliance, has 310 sanctioned posts, of which only 174 are filled. This leaves 136 vacancies, representing nearly 44 percent of the sanctioned strength.

The Air Safety Wing, which conducts audits and oversees safety compliance, has 116 sanctioned posts with 86 filled positions, leaving 30 vacancies — a shortfall exceeding 25 percent.

Most notably, the Surveillance and Enforcement Division has no officially sanctioned posts, yet seven personnel are currently working within the unit. This unusual arrangement has raised concerns about structural and administrative planning within the regulatory framework.

Safety Oversight Under Scrutiny

The staffing shortages come at a time when aviation safety oversight is receiving increased attention, particularly in the non-scheduled aviation and air ambulance sectors. Experts note that effective monitoring, timely inspections, and strict enforcement depend heavily on adequate staffing and technical expertise.

Industry observers warn that prolonged vacancies in safety-critical roles may strain the regulator’s ability to conduct thorough inspections, enforce compliance, and respond swiftly to safety risks.

The RTI findings have renewed calls for strengthening institutional capacity and ensuring that aviation oversight mechanisms remain robust as India’s aviation sector continues to expand rapidly.