In a move to increase safety and standardize services across the subcontinent, India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have published a new set of rules, the Civil Aviation Requirement, providing the framework for safe operations by service providers.

These safety mechanisms are part of an effort to prevent and mitigate ground incidents at the airport thereby enhancing the quality of services and were developed after a consultation process with stakeholders.

What ground handling service providers in India need to do:

Obtain a safety clearance from DGCA within six months
Create a manual laying down various procedures to be followed for carrying out ground activities including during adverse weather and low-visibility situations
Implement a training program for personnel and ensure they complete initial and on-the-job training and are issued a Certificate of Competency
Service providers must also ensure recurrent training takes place within a three-year a period
Record incidents and accidents and report them to the DGCA within 24 hours
Make key appointments such as Station Manager and Safety Manager

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