DGCA Introduces New Norms for Special Audit

The Special Audits Will Be Conducted By Expert Teams Led By A Senior DGCA Official As The Lead Auditor

- Neha LM Tripathi

NEW DELHI: Aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has introduced a new framework for comprehensive special audits with immediate effect in the wake of the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad that killed 241 people on board and at least 30 others on the ground.

A circular dated June 19 said these audits will provide a holistic evaluation of the aviation sector, carefully examining safety, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. It also mentioned that the audit framework follows global best practices.

The DGCA, in the circular seen by HT, said special audits can be initiated based on mandatory triggers such as serious incidents or accidents, persistent regulatory non-compliance, safety audit findings, operational disruptions, or the International Civil Aviation Organisation's (ICAO) audit findings.

The regulator added that these special audits will be conducted by expert teams led by a senior DGCA official as the lead auditor, supported by specialists from the Flight Standards, Air Safety, Airworthiness, Airspace & Air Navigation Services, Licensing, and Aerodrome Standards directorates.