A high-level delegation from the Airline Users Rights and Grievances Redressal Forum (AURGRF), led by Chief Patron and Hon. Member of Parliament Shri N.K. Premachandran, met with Civil Aviation Minister Shri K. Rammohan Naidu on March 19, 2025, to discuss critical aviation safety deficiencies. The delegation, including President Biji Eapen, Dr. Adv. K. Radhakrishnan Nair, Adv. Jose Abraham, Madhava Reddy, and Harjit Singh Chawla, highlighted regulatory lapses, safety gaps, and non-compliance with international aviation standards, urging immediate corrective measures.
AURGRF emphasized urgent concerns such as hazardous materials breaches at airports, the lack of proper storage for radioactive materials, lithium battery-related safety incidents, and the absence of advisories on sodium-ion batteries, which have gained prominence in 2025. These incidents underscore critical gaps in regulatory enforcement, highlighting the need for proactive safety measures to prevent future risks.
The delegation called for the revival of the Aircraft (Carriage of Dangerous Goods) Rules, 2003, and amendments to the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) of January 25, 2023, which contradict ICAO Document 10147. ICAO mandates States to establish a regulatory framework integrating competency-based training, defined roles, and standardized assessments for aviation safety compliance. Hon. MP Shri N.K. Premachandran had raised this issue in Lok Sabha on August 8, 2024, emphasizing the need for urgent policy alignment.
AURGRF also stressed the importance of a preventive approach to aviation safety, aligned with ICAO and IATA operational safety guidelines. The forum proposed enhanced training for air transport personnel, including BCAS and CISF staff, a 360-degree feedback system, and stronger coordination between regulatory agencies and industry stakeholders. These measures are critical to strengthening India’s Safety Management System (SMS) under ICAO Annex 19 and ensuring passenger safety and security at every level.
Civil Aviation Minister Shri K. Rammohan Naidu assured a comprehensive review of AURGRF’s recommendations, promising actionable steps to enhance aviation safety in India. AURGRF remains committed to advocating for passenger rights, regulatory compliance, and improved aviation security in India’s fast-growing air travel sector.
