Among the key provisions, the rules mandate the installation of speed guns on the airside of airports and require speed governors in certain vehicles. The airside of the airport is where the aircraft take-off and land and load and unload as well. These measures aim to reduce the risk of accidents involving vehicles in these high-traffic areas. “Ground handling agencies are a critical element of the airport aviation ecosystem. The safety, efficiency and reliability of flight operations, in turn, are dependent on the safe and efficacious functioning of ground handling agencies,” the official added.

The DGCA published the Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) on July 8, 2024, following extensive consultations with stakeholders. The CAR outlines a framework to standardise operations across GHSP and enhance oversight. The official said, “The implementation of this CAR will standardise requirements across ground handling agencies and strengthen the oversight mechanism.”

Poll

Do you think pothole-free roads for Ganeshotsav will impact Mumbai`s traffic conditions during the festival?

Yes 33.25%

No 35.09%

Maybe 31.66%

Submit

View All In Poll

Additionally, the CAR specifies training and competency standards for ground personnel, who play a crucial role in ensuring safe and efficient ground operations. “The robust safety mechanism to be implemented prospectively by the GHSP would help in the prevention and mitigation of ground incidents at the airport, thereby enhancing the quality of services rendered in safety-sensitive functions,” another senior DGCA official emphasised. “Ground handling agencies now face a six-month deadline to comply with these new regulations, which promise to enhance safety and service quality in India’s burgeoning aviation sector,” the official told mid-day.