Civil Aviation Ministry notifies draft Aircraft Security Rules, 2022

Source: The post is based on the article “Civil Aviation Ministry notifies draft Aircraft Security Rules, 2022” published in The Hindu on 24th November.

What is the News?

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has notified the Draft Aircraft Security Rules, 2022.

What is the purpose of Draft Aircraft Security Rules, 2022?

The Draft Aircraft Security Rules, 2022 is proposed to replace the Aircraft Security Rules of 2011.

These new rules were required after the Aircraft Amendment Act of 2020 was passed by Parliament.

This act granted the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security(BCAS), the Director General of Civil Aviation and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau statutory authority. These enable them to impose punishments that, in the past, could only be imposed by courts. Also, the Act increased the maximum fine from Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 1 crore.

What are the key provisions of the Draft Aircraft Security Rules, 2022?

Firstly, the rules enable the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) to impose fines up to Rs.1 crore on airports and airlines for violation of security measures.

– For instance, if airports and airlines don’t develop and implement a security programme or start operating before obtaining a security clearance, the BCAS may punish them between Rs. 50 lakh and Rs. 1 crore 

Secondly, BCAS will have the authority to revoke or suspend an entity’s airport security clearance and security programme, in accordance with the proposed rules.

Thirdly, each institution should safeguard its information and communication technology systems from unauthorized use and forbid the leaking of critical aviation security information in order to address cybersecurity concerns.