Naidu: Govt studies non-sched flights

In light of the recent tragic crash involving a LearJet 45 that resulted in the deaths of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others, the Indian government is intensifying its oversight of non-scheduled flight operations and uncontrolled airfields. Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu announced that a comprehensive study is underway to identify regulatory gaps. Following the crash near Baramati airport on January 28, which prompted a special safety audit by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Naidu emphasized the need for improved safety measures for Non-Scheduled Operators (NSOPs), which primarily conduct charter flights. The crash has drawn attention to the challenges posed by uncontrolled airfields, where traffic management relies on pilots rather than air traffic control. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is expected to release a preliminary report on the incident soon. Additionally, Naidu indicated that the ministry aims to support smaller airlines and hinted at potential discussions regarding a 'too big to fail' policy akin to that in the banking sector, particularly following operational issues faced by IndiGo in December.