unfortunate runway incursion incident at Haneda Airport in Tokyo on January 2, 2024, where a Japan Coast Guard DHC-8 aircraft encroached upon the landing path of Japan Airlines Flight 516 triggered India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to embark on a thorough review of its existing safety protocols. This comprehensive assessment has culminated in the issuance of a new circular aimed at bolstering runway safety measures and mitigating the risk of similar incidents in the future.
The newly introduced circular delineates a series of stringent mitigation strategies meticulously crafted based on a comprehensive analysis of safety data. Among the key directives outlined in the circular is the mandate for operators to conduct comprehensive training programs for Pilots, Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs), Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (Clear to Taxi), and Airport Drivers. This training regimen is designed to ensure strict adherence to standard operating procedures by all personnel involved in airport operations.
Furthermore, the circular emphasizes the imperative of embracing technological interventions to augment situational awareness, thereby facilitating enhanced coordination between ATCs and other stakeholders in identifying and managing traffic within the maneuvering area. To this end, operators are encouraged to adopt state-of-the-art technologies aimed at providing real-time data and insights to aid decision-making processes.
In a bid to enhance the efficacy of Air Traffic Control operations, the DGCA has mandated the activation of stop bars to signal a halt and their deactivation to signify clearance for traffic movement. Strikingly, the circular unequivocally prohibits the crossing of illuminated red stop bars under any circumstances, underscoring the paramount importance of adherence to established safety protocols.
Acknowledging the possibility of unserviceable stop bars, the circular underscores the importance of implementing contingency measures to address such eventualities effectively. This proactive approach is emblematic of DGCA’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the highest standards of safety across Indian aerodromes.
Additionally, the circular mandates the establishment of dedicated Runway Safety Teams at all airports, tasked with overseeing and optimizing runway safety protocols. This strategic initiative underscores DGCA’s proactive stance in fostering a culture of safety consciousness and operational excellence within the aviation ecosystem.
DGCA acknowledges a decreasing trend in runway incursions. However, the regulatory body underscores the importance of sustained vigilance and proactive engagement among all stakeholders to further mitigate the risk of such incidents. By diligently adhering to the directives articulated in the circular and maintaining a collaborative and proactive approach, DGCA remains steadfast in its commitment to bolstering runway safety and ensuring the integrity of India’s aviation infrastructure.
