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The civil aviation ministry has started a nationwide review of around 400 uncontrolled airstrips following a fatal aircraft crash near Baramati that killed five people, including Maharashtra's deputy chief minister. The move aims to examine safety infrastructure, operational procedures and coordination at airstrips that operate without air traffic control. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has also begun special safety audits of select charter and non-scheduled operators to identify compliance gaps and recommend corrective measures to strengthen aviation safety oversight.
The civil aviation ministry has initiated a detailed review of uncontrolled airstrips across the country after a deadly aircraft crash near Baramati raised concerns over safety standards at such facilities. The crash involved a non-scheduled Learjet aircraft flying from Mumbai to Baramati, in which all five occupants, including Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, lost their lives. The incident brought renewed attention to the risks associated with operations at airstrips that function without full aviation infrastructure. Advertisement
Uncontrolled airstrips typically do not have an air traffic control tower, advanced navigation systems or instrument landing facilities. Aircraft movements at these locations are largely managed through pilot coordination and limited ground support. Officials familiar with the review process said the ministry is assessing runway conditions, communication systems, emergency response arrangements and the role of local authorities in managing such facilities.
The review covers nearly 400 airstrips spread across various states, many of which are used by charter flights, flying clubs and government aircraft. The Baramati airstrip, which falls under this category, highlighted gaps in monitoring and operational oversight, prompting the ministry to involve state governments and aviation stakeholders in identifying corrective steps.
Alongside this exercise, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has launched special safety audits of 14 charter and non-scheduled flight operators. The audits, which began earlier this month and will continue through the rest of the month, are focused on operational procedures, crew training, maintenance practices and adherence to safety regulations. Inspection teams are expected to submit detailed reports, which could lead to regulatory action where deficiencies are found.
In the past, aviation experts have flagged concerns over the rapid growth of non-scheduled operations without matching upgrades in infrastructure and oversight at smaller airstrips. The current review is expected to revisit earlier recommendations and assess whether they were implemented on the ground.
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