India is considering the creation of an independent Aviation Safety Board, a proposal that could fundamentally change how flight accidents are investigated across the country. The proposed body would function autonomously, free from ministerial influence, and align India’s oversight mechanisms with global standards seen in countries like the United States, Canada, and the European Union.
The reform comes in the wake of the fatal crash of Air India Flight 171 in Ahmedabad last month, which led to over 260 casualties and reignited long-standing concerns around regulatory conflicts and systemic safety lapses. Current investigations are being handled by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which functions under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Critics argue that this institutional structure lacks the independence needed for transparent crash probes, given its direct reporting to the same ministry that governs airline operations. Officials involved in the discussions have indicated that the new board would have wide-ranging powers. Beyond probing crashes, it would regularly audit safety systems, monitor compliance by airlines and regulators, and review operations of statutory agencies like the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
The new board could eventually assume some or all responsibilities currently held by the AAIB, pending legislative changes. The government’s intent has gained traction with support from a parliamentary panel that has called for an urgent review of India’s civil aviation safety framework. The panel is expected to deliberate on both the recent crash and wider systemic reforms, including gaps in airport infrastructure, pilot training protocols, and emergency preparedness.Simultaneously, audits have been launched on all 34 Boeing 787 aircraft currently in service in India. Airlines are also facing inspections of pilot training logs and aircraft maintenance records, pointing to broader institutional introspection.
Industry observers note that an independent safety board could greatly improve public trust in crash investigations, eliminate conflicts of interest, and enhance India’s credibility on international aviation safety indexes. If implemented, the reform could be one of the most significant structural changes in India’s aviation sector since liberalisation.
While the proposal is still under review, officials believe that legislative clarity and political will are key to its realisation. Experts argue that the creation of such a body is not just a matter of policy choice but a safety imperative, especially in a country with one of the fastest-growing aviation markets globally.
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