Incidents on loop, but it’s escape for regulator, airlines

/ Editorials, English /

Incidents on loop, but it’s escape for regulator, airlines

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8)

Topic – GS3 Disaster Management

Context

Runway Confusion at Goa’s Mopa Airport

  1. Date of Incident: December 5, 2024
  2. Location: Mopa Airport, Goa, India
  3. Nature of Issue: Runway confusion that raises concerns about safety protocols.
  4. Significance: Highlights existing challenges in Indian aviation safety measures.
  5. Implications:
    • Potential risks to passenger safety.
    • Calls for improved training and operational standards.
    • Need for better communication among air traffic control and airline operations.
  6. Broader Context: Reflects ongoing debates about aviation infrastructure and regulatory oversight in India.
  7. Response: Possible investigation and review by aviation authorities to prevent future occurrences.

Aviation Safety in India: Challenges and the Way Forward

1. Historical Incidents Highlighting Safety Gaps

  • Runway Confusion Cases:
    • 1993: Jet Airways mistakenly landed at an airbase instead of Coimbatore’s civil airport.
    • 2018: An Air India Airbus A320 landed on a wrong, under-construction runway in the Maldives.
  • Runway Overruns:
    • 2010: Mangaluru crash resulted in 158 fatalities.
    • 2020: Kozhikode crash led to 21 deaths, linked to crew fatigue and operational pressure.

2. Contributing Factors to Safety Issues

  • Regulatory Oversight:
    • DGCA is often reactive, blaming pilots while systemic issues remain unaddressed.
    • Non-compliance with ICAO standards for aerodrome infrastructure.
  • Training and Standards:
    • Inadequate pilot training and insufficient emphasis on runway markings.
    • Safety audits and oversight by DGCA’s Flight Standards Directorate are lacking.
  • Crew Fatigue and Pressure:
    • India has some of the weakest flight and duty time regulations globally.
    • Operational pressures, such as “on-time performance” (OTP) targets, compromise decision-making.

3. Lessons from International Best Practices

  • Singapore Airlines: After a 2000 crash due to runway confusion, the airline implemented immediate corrective actions, preventing recurrence.
  • Recommendation: India should adopt similar proactive measures to enhance safety and accountability.

4. Recommendations for Improvement

  • Strengthening Oversight:
    • DGCA must enhance safety audits and enforce strict compliance with ICAO standards.
  • Improving Training:
    • Airlines should focus on comprehensive pilot training, emphasizing runway markings and stabilized approach criteria.
  • Addressing Crew Fatigue:
    • Flight and duty time regulations must prioritize crew rest and safety over operational efficiency.
  • Promoting Accountability:
    • Airlines and regulatory bodies must share responsibility for incidents, ensuring systemic changes to prevent recurrence.

5. Conclusion

  • Need for Proactive Strategies:
    • Aviation safety in India requires a shift from reactive measures to proactive strategies.
    • Enhanced oversight, rigorous training, and prioritizing crew well-being are essential for fostering a safer aviation environment.