India is taking a major step to enhance flight safety with the creation of a National Aviation Safety Centre. The plan was announced at the Asia-Pacific Accident Investigation Group (APAC-AIG) meeting in New Delhi. The centre will focus on upgrading safety systems, building skilled manpower, and deepening international collaboration as India’s air traffic and airport infrastructure continue to expand.
Focus on Oversight and Capacity Building
Union Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha said the centre will strengthen safety oversight, improve regulatory compliance, and promote institutional reforms. As air travel surges, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will see their workforce doubled to ensure faster and more effective supervision. This expansion is supported by the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, a new law designed to modernise India’s aviation safety framework.
Training and Global Cooperation
To align with international standards, new Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) auditor training courses will begin at the Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University (RGNAU). These programs will help India train its own auditors to meet ICAO benchmarks while strengthening ties with other aviation safety agencies. India also offered to share its aviation laboratories for defect analysis with Asia-Pacific countries, reinforcing its role as a regional safety partner.
Rising Global Safety Ranking
Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu noted that India’s global safety rank has improved sharply, moving from 112th to 55th place. The country’s ICAO safety implementation score also rose from 70% in 2018 to 85% in 2025. With plans to expand the airport network to nearly 400 by 2047, the government’s priority is to match growth with robust safety systems and transparent investigation practices.
A Safer Future for Indian Skies
Hosting the APAC-AIG meeting for the first time marks India’s growing influence in global aviation governance. The upcoming National Aviation Safety Centre is expected to serve as the backbone of India’s aviation safety ecosystem, ensuring that the nation’s rapidly growing air network remains one of the safest and most reliable in the world.
