Civil Aviation Minister Naidu Reviews Airline And Airport Safety After Air India Crash

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu conducted a thorough review of safety measures, passenger convenience, and airline performance after the recent Air India crash seconds after take-off from Ahmedabad airport.

He met with Air India Chairman and Managing Director Campbell Wilson to assess operational safety, transparent public communication, and improved passenger service.

The minister emphasised the need for clarity and accountability during disruptions.

Due to ongoing issues in the Middle East, stricter safety checks, and night flight bans in Europe, Air India is experiencing reduced aircraft availability.

Therefore, the airline will scale down operations, restructure flights, and release updates via media channels. Affected travellers will receive full refunds or be rebooked.

The minister asked Air India to enhance ground-level coordination, boost communication about delays or cancellations, and ensure customer service teams handle concerns with empathy and clarity.

Minister holds review with other airlines

Naidu also met senior officials from SpiceJet, IndiGo, and Akasa on June 18 and 19. He reviewed their fleet performance, safety protocols, and passenger experience.

The ministry has decided to institutionalise periodic reviews with airlines for improved monitoring and coordination. This step will help in handling emergencies more efficiently.

Naidu chaired a video conference with all Airport Directors across India to assess preparedness for delays caused by accident checks, weather conditions, and geopolitical airspace closures.

He instructed officials to coordinate closely with airlines and resolve passenger issues immediately. Airports must ensure the availability of food, water, and seating during disruptions.

The minister ordered the deployment of enough personnel at key touchpoints to manage passenger concerns effectively. He also directed Airport Directors to support airlines during operational disruptions, including reassignment of gates and other logistical help.

In addition, the minister asked all airport heads to reinforce wildlife hazard management to reduce risks from birds and stray animals, ensuring a safe environment for flights.

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