# Pilots’ body writes to PM, seeks independent aviation regulator

2026-08-07T20:11:56+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Cabinet Secretary, urging the creation of an independent Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to replace the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). In a 30-page letter sent on August 7, FIP president Captain C S Randhawa argued that the DGCA, which functions under the Civil Aviation Ministry, lacks the independence needed for robust oversight. He cited rising passenger traffic, fleet expansion, and an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) recommendation from 2006 that India set up such a body. Randhawa noted that even Pakistan and the Maldives have autonomous aviation authorities. A similar effort, the Civil Aviation Authority of India Bill 2013, lapsed after the 2014 Lok Sabha dissolution.

## Coverage

- newindianexpress.com <https://www.newindianexpress.com/india/2026/Aug/07/pilots-body-writes-to-pm-seeks-creation-of-civil-aviation-authority>
- ndtvprofit.com <https://www.ndtvprofit.com/india/federation-of-indian-pilots-writes-to-prime-minister-seeking-an-autonomous-civil-aviation-authority-11883797#publisher=newsstand>

Tags: aviation safety, Civil Aviation Authority, DGCA, Federation of Indian Pilots, India, regulatory reform
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