• Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) is a central ministry of the Government of India
• Responsible for policy formulation, regulation, and development of civil aviation in India
• Oversees airports, airlines, air navigation services, and aviation safety
• Plays a key role in expanding air connectivity, infrastructure, and affordability
Historical Background
• Established in 1946, prior to India’s independence
• Initially focused on airport development and creation of a national carrier, later becoming Air India
• Over time, evolved as the nodal authority shaping India’s aviation ecosystem through policy and regulation
Core Functions and Responsibilities
• Policy formulation for civil aviation growth and regulation
• Regulation of aviation operations, including airlines, airports, and air traffic services
• Development and modernization of airport infrastructure across India
• Promotion of regional and domestic air connectivity
• Ensuring safety and security of civil aviation in line with international standards
• Representation of India in global aviation forums
• Negotiation of bilateral air service agreements with foreign countries
Organisational Structure
• Headed by a Cabinet Minister, assisted by a Minister of State
• Administrative leadership rests with the Secretary, Civil Aviation
• Supported by Additional Secretaries, Joint Secretaries, and technical officials
Attached and Subordinate Bodies
• Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for aviation safety regulation
• Airports Authority of India (AAI) for airport development and air navigation services
• Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) for aviation security
• Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) for tariff regulation
• Air India Group of Companies under government oversight
Major Initiatives and Reforms
• Regional Connectivity Scheme – UDAN, aimed at affordable air travel and regional inclusion
• Greenfield airport development, including Navi Mumbai and Jewar International Airport
• Airport privatisation, notably Delhi and Mumbai airports, to improve efficiency and investment
• Liberalisation of the aviation sector, including relaxed FDI norms
• DigiYatra Initiative, enabling contactless air travel using facial recognition technology
Impact on Indian Aviation Sector
• Significant expansion of domestic and international air passenger traffic
• Improved regional connectivity and access to air travel for smaller cities
• Modernisation of airport infrastructure and passenger services
• Enhanced safety, security, and global integration of Indian aviation
Key Challenges
• Infrastructure stress due to rapid passenger growth
• Balancing interests of airlines, airports, and passengers
• Ensuring aviation safety and regulatory compliance amid sector expansion
Way Forward and Vision
• Focus on innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity
• Strengthening regional air connectivity and last-mile access
• Promoting green aviation and efficient airspace management
• Positioning India as a global aviation hub in the coming decades
