Indian airlines face stringent checks in Singapore

The move follows FAA's recent downgrading of India's safety ranking

Indian airlines flying to Singapore face stringent inspections following the US Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) decision to downgrade India's safety ranking. There are, however, no restrictions on Indian carriers, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) clarified.

“Following the FAA's recent decision to downgrade India to Category-II under its IASA (International Aviation Safety Assessment) programme, CAAS has stepped up ramp inspections on the aircraft of Indian carriers operating in Singapore,” CAAS said in a statement.

Air India, IndiGo and Jet Airways operate flights to Singapore.

“CAAS has in place a Foreign Operators’ Surveillance Programme (FOSP) for the authorisation of foreign carriers to operate in Singapore and for the surveillance of such operations. CAAS evaluates an application for an operations permit using a risk-based methodology, taking into consideration factors such as the safety oversight capability of the State of Operator, the operational capability of the carrier, and the safety records of the aircraft and aircraft type to be deployed for the operations,” said CAAS, outlining its safety oversight process.

The Singapore regulator said safety information from other aviation authorities, such as the outcomes of the audits, are also taken into consideration. Under the FOSP, CAAS also conducts periodic ramp inspections on the foreign carriers’ aircraft when in Singapore. The frequency of ramp inspections is dependent on CAAS’ assessment of the carrier. 

“The safety of air transport operations, passengers and the public is paramount. CAAS will closely monitor developments and would consider appropriate measures to address any significant safety risks,” it added.

Earlier, the European Commission had said it was studying the reasons which led to downgrade of India's safety ranking. "The downgrade by the FAA of India's IASA status is of significant interest to the EU (European Union),” said a European Commission spokesperson.

“Operations by Indian air carriers to and from EU are closely monitored through the Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft (SAFA) programme. The information so far received from the EU SAFA does not give rise to major concerns with regard to Indian aviation. At the next meeting of the EU Air Safety Committee in March, the commission will discuss within the EU Air Safety Committee the details of the latest developments in India, including the factors that led to this FAA downgrade,'' he added.