The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on March 15, 2024, issued the Draft to CAR Section 4 Series X Part II - Requirements for issue of Safety Clearance to Ground Handling Service Provider (GHSP).
The following has been stated:
• The ground handling forms a significant and critical part of the aviation industry. Larger aircraft, an increase in ground support equipment and faster turnarounds all contribute to the challenge of improving operational safety. With the growth of air traffic and the proliferation of third party ground handling services, ground operations on airport aprons have become increasingly complex and potentially hazardous.
• This CAR is applicable to the following types of organisations:
o Ground Handling Services Provider (GHSP) at licensed airport and civil enclave;
o Aircraft Operators providing GH services to their own passengers and the aircraft in their fleet (self-handling) at licensed airport and civil enclave; and
o Aerodrome operators providing GH services, which are also considered ground handling service providers at licensed airport and civil enclave.
• The GHSP providing or intending to provide ground handling service at Indian airport(s) shall have
o Valid permission from the Central Government under Rule 92 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937 or from the Aerodrome Operator under the provision contained in Ministry of Civil Aviation (Ground Handling Services) Regulations 2017.
o Security clearance from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).
The Comments are invited by April 14, 2024. Please address comments to Sh. Amit Srivastava, Director, Office of the Director General of Civil Aviation, Opp. Safdarjung Airport, Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi - 110 003. Email: amits.dgca@nic.
