'Safety is priority': DGCA issues guidelines after 'surge' in aviation incidents; grounds Learjet fleet after Pawar plane crash
Times of India
by TOI NEWS DESKFebruary 24, 2026
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The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has introduced stringent new guidelines following a surge in aviation incidents in India, including the tragic crash of an air ambulance in Jharkhand and the fatal Learjet crash involving former Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar. The regulator emphasized that safety must take precedence over commercial operations, with pilots’ decisions to divert or cancel flights for safety reasons being final and without commercial consequences. These measures include mandatory display of critical safety information on NSOP websites, increased random audits, and real-time weather systems for operators.
The DGCA also announced a two-phase special safety audit for non-scheduled operators, starting with Phase 1 set to conclude by early March. Notably, following a safety audit revealing multiple non-compliances, the Learjet fleet operated by VSR Ventures has been grounded immediately. This move comes after the fatal crash near Baramati airport, which claimed the lives of seven individuals, including Pawar and his security team.
These steps highlight India’s commitment to enhancing aviation safety standards, with a focus on accountability for non-compliance and stringent penalties for violations. The DGCA’s actions underscore the importance of prioritizing safety in the aviation industry, not just in India but globally, as it aims to prevent future incidents and restore public trust in air travel.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/24/2026