India stands proudly as the world’s third-largest domestic civil aviation market, reflecting the rapid growth of the sector. Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha said that the country’s aircraft fleet has more than doubled from 395 in 2014 to 844 by 2025. He was speaking at a seminar organised by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. He said that over the past decade, passenger traffic within the country has grown at an impressive average rate of 9 per cent annually, while cargo volumes have risen by 2.9 per cent. Mr. Sinha underscored that safety is not a fixed destination but an ongoing journey demanding vigilance, compliance, and accountability. Through examples, he illustrated critical safety concerns, which resonated strongly with the audience and reinforced the collective responsibility of maintaining a secure aviation environment.

Director General of DGCA, Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, reaffirmed the regulator’s commitment to proactive safety oversight and global alignment. He outlined key initiatives including the implementation of the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, State Safety Programme and the National Aviation Safety Plan.

The event featured three technical sessions addressing safety challenges namely Runway Incursion, Positive Safety Culture in Aviation and Maintenance Error. Each session brought together experts from both regulatory and industry domains to discuss root causes, share best practices and proposed mitigation strategies. The emphasis was placed on the importance of a proactive, risk-based approach to safety management, supported by continuous learning and cross-sector collaboration.