Security Clearance Granted to AISATS by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)

Why in news ?

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted security clearance to Air India SATS Airport Services Private Limited (AISATS) for the first time. This is a significant step for India’s civil aviation sector.

Key Points:

• First Clearance: This is the first time that DGCA has formally granted security clearance to a ground handling agency.
• International Recognition: With this clearance, India has become the second country in the Asia-Pacific region, after Malaysia, to implement a comprehensive security framework in line with the guidelines of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
• Role of DGCA: DGCA stated that this step strengthens Safety Management Systems (SMS) at Indian airports and enhances regulatory oversight of ground handling operations.

Significance:

• Improves passenger and aviation operational security.
• Demonstrates India’s compliance with international aviation standards.
• Establishes a transparent and robust framework for ground handling agencies.