In a sweeping regulatory response to the fatal Baramati aircraft crash, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered a special safety audit of 14 charter and non-scheduled flight operators across the country. The inspections began on February 9 and will continue at least until February 25 as part of a focused oversight drive aimed at tightening safety compliance in India’s fast-growing charter aviation segment.
The move follows the January 28 crash at Baramati Airport involving a Bombardier Learjet 45 operated by VSR Ventures. The aircraft, flying on a non-scheduled charter service from Mumbai to Baramati, went down during a second landing attempt. The accident claimed the lives of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others, sending shockwaves through political and aviation circles.
In a February 2 directive, the DGCA had already ordered a dedicated safety audit of VSR Ventures and asked for a report by February 15, 2026. The fresh order expands scrutiny to 13 additional operators.
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Audit to Examine Operational, Technical Compliance
According to the regulator, the audits will evaluate:
- Adherence to operational safety procedures
- Compliance with airworthiness standards
- Crew training, licensing and documentation
- Maintenance systems and record-keeping
Dedicated audit teams have been deployed for each operator. They have been instructed to submit findings to DGCA headquarters within 10 days of completing inspections, ensuring a time-bound review.
Operators Under Scanner
Among those named in the audit list are:
- Air Charter Services
- Global Vectra Helicorp
- Karnavati Aviation
- State-run Pawan Hans
- Redbird Airways
Redbird’s inclusion follows a February 8 incident in which a Cessna 172 aircraft operated by Redbird Training Academy made an emergency landing near Vijaypura due to suspected fuel starvation. No casualties were reported in that episode, but it added to recent safety concerns in the non-scheduled aviation space.
Tighter Oversight Amid Growing Charter Demand
The DGCA’s action signals heightened regulatory vigilance over India’s expanding charter and business aviation sector. With rising demand for private charter services, regulators appear keen to ensure uniform compliance with safety, operational and maintenance standards.
Officials indicated that the special audits are intended to identify systemic lapses, plug regulatory gaps and restore confidence following a series of aviation incidents. Based on the findings, enforcement action—including penalties or operational restrictions—may follow where violations are detected.
The outcome of the audits is likely to shape future regulatory norms for India’s charter aviation industry, which has seen rapid growth but now faces intensified scrutiny in the wake of the Baramati tragedy.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
