Following the tragic Baramati plane crash on January 28, which claimed the lives of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has ordered a nationwide inspection of nearly 400 uncontrolled airstrips. The review aims to establish uniform operating standards and implement a robust monitoring system in coordination with state authorities.

Many of these Category A airstrips, often used by political leaders, chartered flights, and flying schools, have no official Air Traffic Control facilities. Until now, they have operated largely outside DGCA oversight, with no mandatory protocols for fire services, runway maintenance, or emergency response.

DGCA teams have begun field assessments focusing on infrastructure, communication facilities, and the readiness of fire tenders. The inspections aim to identify gaps and introduce standardized safety measures, including windsocks, weather stations, and CCTV surveillance, which experts say are cost-effective yet critical for safe operations.

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A specialised task force comprising officers from flight safety, airworthiness, and operations departments has been deployed to conduct immediate on-site inspections. Officials emphasise that these efforts are vital to prevent future accidents and ensure that airstrips meet minimum safety standards before being used for flights.

The ministry plans to implement a long-term framework requiring state civil aviation departments to conduct regular audits and maintain strict oversight. This initiative is seen as a crucial step toward ensuring safer aviation operations, particularly at facilities historically neglected in terms of regulatory compliance.

Experts note that the Baramati tragedy highlights the urgent need for systemic reforms in airstrip management, and the nationwide checks are expected to set a precedent for safer operations across India’s uncontrolled airfields.

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