Govt threatens to ground airlines who appoint directors sans security nod

Prior security clearance is also required in case a foreigner is appointed as CEO, CFO or COO at an airline

The civil aviation ministry has said it would suspend operations of airlines and non-scheduled operators, which appoint directors without prior security clearance.

Last January, the civil aviation ministry had issued an order advising airlines and non-scheduled operators not to appoint board members without prior security clearance. 

“Despite sensitising the airline companies from time to time the airline companies have been appointing directors without prior security clearance whereas as per the relevant civil aviation requirement prior security clearance is mandatory before their appointment,” Rubina Ali, joint secretary, civil aviation ministry said in the order dated March 23. 

Prior security clearance is