Why in NEWS
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has cancelled the license of Celebi Aviation, a Turkish ground-handling firm operating at major Indian airports. The move follows Turkey’s public support for Pakistan after India’s Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
Key Terms and Concepts
| Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| BCAS | Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, India’s civil aviation security regulator |
| Operation Sindoor | India’s counter-terror operation post the Pahalgam attack |
| Aircraft Rules, 1937 | Legal framework for ground-handling license under civil aviation |
| ICAO | UN agency regulating global civil aviation via the Chicago Convention |
| UDAN Scheme | Government initiative to enhance regional air connectivity |
Legal Framework Behind the License Cancellation
| Rule/Act | Provision |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Rules, 1937 | Rule 92 requires prior government clearance for ground-handling firms |
| Aircraft Security Rules, 2022 | Rules 11 & 12 empower BCAS to suspend or cancel clearance over security or compliance issues |
| Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024 | Governs aviation operations in India, replacing the Aircraft Act, 1934 |
What is BCAS?
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Bureau of Civil Aviation Security |
| Parent Ministry | Ministry of Civil Aviation |
| Year Established | 1978 (as a cell within DGCA), became independent in 1987 |
| Background | Formed after Pande Committee recommendations post-aviation security concerns |
| Headquarters | New Delhi |
| Headed by | Director General (Police-rank officer) |
| Functions | Sets aviation security standards, conducts surprise inspections, security training, and airport drills |
| International Alignment | Follows Annex 17 of the ICAO’s Chicago Convention |
What is the ICAO & Chicago Convention?
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Form | International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) |
| Established By | 1944 Chicago Convention |
| Purpose | Sets global standards for aviation safety, security, and airspace regulation |
| Key Provisions | Grants 9 air freedoms, enforces safety protocols, provides aviation fuel tax exemptions |
| Headquarters | Montreal, Canada |
| Membership | 193 countries, including India |
| Significance | Regulates international civil aviation under UN framework |
Key Government Initiatives in the Aviation Sector
| Initiative | Objective |
|---|---|
| National Civil Aviation Policy (2016) | Enhance affordability, safety, and connectivity |
| UDAN Scheme | Improve regional connectivity through subsidized routes |
| FDI Policy | 100% FDI allowed in air transport and MRO sectors |
| Digi Yatra & NABH Nirman | Improve airport infrastructure and passenger services |
| Sustainability Drive | Promote net-zero airports, green energy use, and carbon neutrality (Level 4+ Airports) |
Current Status of India’s Civil Aviation Sector
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Global Rank | 3rd-largest domestic aviation market (after US and China) |
| Share in South Asia | Handles 69% of South Asia’s air traffic |
| Target by 2030 | Become the world’s 3rd-largest air passenger market |
| Passenger Traffic (as of Sept 2024) | 196.91 million passengers |
| Employment | Supports 7.7 million jobs (direct + indirect) |
| GDP Contribution | USD 53.6 billion (including tourism-linked contribution) |
| Number of Airports | Increased from 74 (2014) to 157 (2024) |
| Long-Term Airport Goal | 350–400 airports by 2047 |
In a Nutshell
Memory Code – Celebi Out = Security Doubt + Sindoor Fallout
BCAS cancels Celebi’s license post-Turkey-Pakistan alignment, highlighting how aviation security and geopolitics are tightly interlinked.
Prelims Practice Questions
- Which rule under the Aircraft Rules, 1937 mandates government clearance for ground-handling agencies in India?
A. Rule 58
B. Rule 92
C. Rule 72
D. Rule 104 - What is the main objective of the UDAN Scheme?
A. Promote international air cargo
B. Subsidize elite class air travel
C. Enhance regional air connectivity
D. Develop satellite communication - ICAO was established by which international treaty?
A. Geneva Protocol
B. Montreal Convention
C. Chicago Convention
D. Hague Convention
Mains Practice Questions
- Discuss the strategic importance of ground-handling agencies in the civil aviation sector and analyze the national security implications of foreign firms operating in this domain. (GS 2)
- Examine the role of BCAS in maintaining India’s aviation security and its alignment with global frameworks like ICAO. (GS 2)
Prelims Answer Key and Explanations
| Q | Ans | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | B | Rule 92 under Aircraft Rules, 1937 governs ground-handling clearances |
| 2 | C | UDAN aims to boost regional air connectivity through affordable fares |
| 3 | C | ICAO was formed by the 1944 Chicago Convention to regulate civil aviation globally |
