To ensure safety, the government has decided that scheduled flights can operate from next year only from aerodromes that are licensed by aviation watchdog DGCA.
The licence requirement would also be applicable to defence aerodromes from where flights have scheduled operations.
The move comes against the backdrop of instances where some airstrips were found to be less safe for take off and landing of aircraft. While various norms are in place, the decision would strengthen the regulatory framework in terms of ensuring safety and security of airports.
In a recent notification, the government said that licence of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) would be required for all aerodromes in case they have scheduled flight operations.
As per the notification issued by the Civil Aviation Ministry, "no person shall operate scheduled air transport services to/from an aerodrome including Defence aerodromes with effect from December 31, 2016 unless it has been licensed by the DGCA".
There are many civil enclaves in the country from where there are scheduled operations. Civil enclaves are part of airports of armed forces that are used for civilian aircraft.
A decision in this regard has been taken after long and extensive discussions with the Defence Ministry, a senior Civil Aviation Ministry official said.
According to the official, DGCA would now be allowed to check and ensure the safety of airstrips and related facilities, including air traffic control (ATC), at defence aerodromes from where scheduled carriers also have operations.
DGCA would have access to the areas and aspects related to scheduled carrier services, he added.
"The primary aim is to ensure the safety and security of passengers," the official said.
There are 476 airstrips/airports in the country including those owned by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), state governments, defence and private parties, among others. Out of them, about 75 have scheduled operations.
Out of the 125 airports owned by AAI, around 95 were operational and 71 had scheduled operations as of July 2015. There are about 18 civil enclaves.
With respect to unpressurised aircraft, the decision would
be taken on a case to case basis after examining the record of the plane that is to be procured from overseas.
"However, DGCA would normally not allow such aircraft which are more than 20 years old," it said.
The watchdog noted that aircraft intended to be imported and used for scheduled commercial operations should have their design economic calendar and operational life clearly established by the holder of type certificate, among other requirements.
"It must be appreciated that normally manufacturers of jet aircraft prescribed a design economic life for their aircraft which extend to 20 years or 60,000 landings/pressurisation cycles," DGCA said.
According to the regulator, the minimum standard for aircraft life is set to ensure that the plane does not have problems such as corrosion, fatigue, and cracks in areas which are normally not accessible during even major checks.
Generally, manufacturers indicate a design-economic life in terms of years and pressurisation cycles for jet aircraft in order to keep a tab on age-related problems of the plane.
