The article addresses the critical issue of serious reforms that are needed in the Indian Aviation sector in terms of improving services of ATC as well as infrastructure development.
The recent mishap at the Mumbai Airport depicted the grave flaws in the current civil aviation infrastructure in the country. Post-incident the blame game has already started between ATC, IAF and AI but the FAA (Federal Aviation Association) audit of DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) indicated serious manpower shortage (up to 40%) and need of infrastructure development. Currently the shortage in ATC is due to low pay package and high stress job which results because in spite of safety standards mandate of 10 airlines at a time, a typical ATC staff member handles 30 airlines at one time which makes the job all the more highly stressful. Aviation sector fleet size has seen 23.7% jump in last three years but the infrastructure development is not adequate. Furthermore if FAA downgrades DGCA, it will be difficult for Indian Airlines to open up new routes to US and the foreign airlines wanting to buy equity stakes in domestic airlines would be in miserable situation which will be worst for the already cash-squeezed domestic aviation sector.
Although DGCA has approaches International Civil Aviation Organization for recommendations and feasibility of restructuring the air navigation operations, this time concrete actions needs to be taken instead of on-paper suggestions.
The article contemplates over the present status of War against Terror where there is a desperate need to mount pressure on Islamabad on the wake of recent Al Qaeda threat to attack India if India retaliates to 26/11.
Despite of substantial evidence, there has been no action by Pakistan and it has maintained its rhetoric of more evidence to continue investigation. It is also clear that the civilian government there has no control over the military force which is continuously helping Taliban and Al Qaeda while providing safe heaven to them in the Western Province. The entire region is highly unsecure and under control of Taliban. However, the good thing is US has acknowledged this fact and now sees Pakistan as a major security challenge for US as against Iran or Iraq.
However, post-Al Qaeda threat, it is clear that the terrorist organization is not a threat only to US but also India and in fact India can be the front-line victim of its attacks and it would be unwise to assume that 26/11 won’t repeat.
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