Our Organisations

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is India’s civil aviation safety regulator and an attached organisation of the Ministry. Its responsibilities include registration of civil aircraft, licensing of aviation personnel, certification of aerodromes and air operators, and approval of aviation training and maintenance organisations. DGCA establishes and enforces safety and airworthiness requirements, conducts inspections and surveillance, and coordinates with the International Civil Aviation Organization on regulatory matters.

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security is the regulatory authority for civil aviation security in India and an attached organisation of the Ministry. It establishes security standards and measures to protect civil aviation against unlawful interference. BCAS oversees compliance by airports, airlines and other aviation entities through inspections, audits and security testing. It also sets requirements for aviation security training and certification and coordinates implementation of the national aviation security framework.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is an attached organisation of the Ministry responsible for investigating aircraft accidents and incidents within the applicable legal framework. It functions independently of the aviation safety regulator, examines evidence, publishes investigation reports and makes safety recommendations. The purpose of its investigations is to prevent future accidents and incidents, rather than to apportion blame or liability. AAIB also undertakes safety studies and coordinates with other countries and international organisations on investigation matters.

The Commission of Railway Safety functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and deals with the safety of rail travel and train operations. Its statutory responsibilities are inspectorial, investigatory and advisory. These include examining new railway and metro lines before their opening for passenger services, inspecting specified railway works and conducting inquiries into serious railway accidents. The Commission makes recommendations to improve safety under the applicable railway and metro railway legislation.

The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India is a statutory authority established under the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India Act, 2008. It regulates tariffs for aeronautical services and determines specified airport charges at major airports within its jurisdiction. It also monitors prescribed performance standards relating to the quality, continuity and reliability of services. Its regulatory work considers airport investment, operating costs, service quality and the interests of airport users.

The Airports Authority of India is a statutory authority constituted under the Airports Authority of India Act, 1994, and a public sector organisation under the Ministry. It develops, operates and maintains airports and civil enclaves within its remit, including runways, passenger terminals and supporting facilities. AAI also provides air navigation services, including air traffic management and communication, navigation and surveillance infrastructure. Its airport development and operational activities support passenger and cargo movement across the country.

Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi is an autonomous flying training institution under the Ministry, located at Fursatganj in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh. It provides ground instruction, simulator training and practical flying training for aspiring commercial pilots, including instrument flying and multi-engine aircraft training. The Akademi also undertakes instructor training and other specialised aviation training programmes. Its work supports the development of professionally trained personnel for India’s aviation sector.

Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University is a university established under the Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University Act, 2013, under the administrative purview of the Ministry. Located at Fursatganj in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, it promotes aviation education, training and research. Its mandate covers aviation management, science, technology, policy, safety, security and related disciplines. The University works with industry and academic institutions to develop professional capabilities and address the aviation sector’s education and research needs.

Pawan Hans Limited is a public sector helicopter services company under the administrative control of the Ministry. It provides helicopter support for offshore oil and gas operations, connectivity to remote and difficult terrain, and charter and tourism services. Its activities also include emergency evacuation support, helicopter maintenance, training and heliport-related services. Through these operations, the company supports transport needs in areas where surface travel or conventional air services may be limited.