Bureau of Civil Aviation Security and India’s Aviation Sector | 16 Jun 2025

Source: HT 

Why in News?

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, has cancelled the license of Celebi Aviation, a Turkish airport ground-handling firm operating at  major Indian airports citing ‘national security concerns’. 

• The move followed Turkey’s support for Pakistan after India’s Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. 

Legal Framework for Civil Aviation License 

• Under the Aircraft Rules, 1937 (framed under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024), Rule 92 mandates government clearance for ground-handling agencies.  
• Under Aircraft Security Rules, 2022 (Rules 11 & 12), the Director General, BCAS can suspend or cancel this clearance for non-compliance or national security concerns. 

What is the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS)? 

• About: BCAS is the national regulator for civil aviation security in India headquartered at Delhi and headed by an officer of the rank of Director General of Police. 
• Established: It was originally established as a cell within the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA in January 1978, following the recommendations of the Pande Committee, and was later reorganized as an independent department under the Ministry of Civil Aviation in 1987. 
  • The DGCA regulates air transport services to, from, and within India. It also enforces civil air regulations, air safety, and airworthiness standards. 
• Key Functions: It sets aviation security standards aligned with Annex 17 to the Chicago Convention of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), oversees implementation and training, and conducts surprise checks and mock drills to ensure preparedness and vigilance at airports. 

What is the ICAO & Chicago Convention? 

• The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a specialized UN agency established by the Chicago Convention in 1944 to regulate global civil aviation.  
• It sets international standards and procedures for the safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally sustainable development of air transport.  
• The Convention defines rules on airspace sovereignty, aircraft registration, safety, and grants 5 core air freedoms (later expanded to 9) for international flights.  
• It also provides for tax exemptions on aviation fuel.  
• ICAO is headquartered in Montreal, Canada, with India as one of its 193 member states. 

What are the Key Initiatives Related to the Aviation Industry? 

• National Civil Aviation Policy 2016 
• Regional Connectivity Scheme-Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) 
• FDI Policy: 100% Foreign Direct Investment(FDI) is allowed in aviation sectors like air transport and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO).  
• Infrastructure Modernization: Digi Yatra and NABH Nirman to enhance operational efficiency and passenger experience.  
• Sustainability Efforts: Airports like Delhi and Mumbai achieved Level 4+ Carbon Accreditation and 73 airports fully use green energy, with solar energy, and new greenfield airports prioritize net-zero emissions.  

What is the State of India’s Aviation Sector? 

• India is the 3rd-largest domestic aviation market after the US and China, accounting for 69% of South Asia’s airline traffic, and is projected to become the 3rd-largest air passenger market globally by 2030.  
• As of FY25 (till Sept 2024), total passenger traffic stood at 196.91 million. The sector directly employs 369,700 people, contributing USD 5.6 billion, and supports 7.7 million jobs and USD 53.6 billion (1.5% of GDP) including tourism-linked sectors.  
• The number of operational airports rose from 74 (2014) to 157 (2024), with a target of 350-400 by 2047.