DGCA sets rules for ground handling service providers to prevent incidents at airports

DGCA informed that it has published the CAR prescribing the framework for safe operations by GHSPs after an extensive consultation process with all stakeholders.

The Ground Handling Agencies (GHAs) have been given a time frame of six months to comply with the provisions of this CAR. The robust safety mechanism to be implemented prospectively by the GHSPs would help in the prevention and mitigation of ground incidents at the airport, thereby enhancing the quality of services rendered in safety-sensitive functions.

It is further said that GHA's are a critical element of the airport aviation ecosystem. The safety, efficiency and reliability of flight operations, in turn, are dependent on the safe and efficacious functioning of GHA's.

Taking into account the phenomenal growth of aircraft movements, the corresponding increase in complexity of ground operations and the proliferation of third-party ground handling services, it has become imperative to establish safety standards for ground handling service providers (GHSPs) involved in the ground operations of aircraft at Indian airports, an area that has not been hitherto uncovered under any existing regulations.

The implementation of this CAR will standardise the requirements across the GHA's and strengthen the oversight mechanism. This CAR also specifies the training and competency requirements of ground personnel who play a pivotal role in safe and efficient ground operations at airports. The GHAs have been given a time frame of six months to comply with the provisions of this CAR. The robust safety mechanism to be implemented prospectively by the GHSPs would help in the prevention and mitigation of ground incidents at the airport thereby enhancing the quality of services rendered in safety-sensitive functions. (ANI)