The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), on June 11, 2026, issued an advisory to owners and operators of uncontrolled airstrips across India, emphasizing the need to maintain prescribed safety standards for aircraft operations. The advisory follows observations that several such airstrips are regularly used for aircraft landings and departures and that past accidents and incidents have highlighted safety concerns associated with inadequate maintenance and infrastructure.
DGCA noted that Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR), Section 4, Series B, Part VI prescribe the minimum safety requirements applicable to airstrips used for aircraft operations. However, it has come to the Authority's notice that many uncontrolled airstrips are not being maintained in accordance with these standards, potentially compromising flight safety.
Accordingly, operators have been advised to immediately review the operational condition of their facilities and ensure compliance with DGCA requirements. The advisory calls for periodic inspection and maintenance of critical infrastructure, including runways, taxiways, aprons, visual aids, markings, drainage systems, boundary fencing, and access control arrangements. DGCA has also encouraged operators of airstrips regularly used for aircraft operations to obtain an Aerodrome Licence, wherever applicable, under the Aircraft Rules and relevant DGCA regulations.
[File No. DGCA-11011/24/2020-DOAS].
