New Delhi‑ India’s aviation security system is running dangerously low on manpower. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), the central agency responsible for maintaining security standards at airports, is facing a serious staff crunch. This revelation comes at a time when public concerns over air safety have escalated, especially after a tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad that claimed 260 lives on June 12. Preliminary investigations into the crash indicate that both engines of the aircraft failed shortly after takeoff.
According to the RTI response, the BCAS is grappling with a staff shortage of nearly 35%. Out of the 598 sanctioned posts in the organization, 208 remain vacant. This shortage directly impacts the safety and monitoring standards at airports across the country.
The problem is not confined to BCAS alone. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which handles on-ground airport security, is also functioning with thousands of vacant posts. An internal government study reveals that major airports such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata are facing a combined shortfall of over 4,000 security personnel. Specifically, Delhi airport alone needs more than 1,300 CISF personnel to meet the required security standards.
This manpower crisis has raised serious questions about India’s aviation security preparedness. A Parliamentary panel has also expressed concern, warning that such a critical shortage of security staff could jeopardize passenger safety and overall airport operations.
With the number of air travelers in India rising rapidly every year, this gap in security staffing poses a real risk. Overburdened staff and limited surveillance capacity could potentially lead to operational lapses, compromising passenger safety.
The government has acknowledged the problem and stated that the process to fill these vacancies is ongoing. Authorities have assured that necessary steps are being taken to address the situation. However, the timeline for resolving this issue remains uncertain.
As India continues to emerge as one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world, ensuring robust and adequate security staffing is not just a necessity—it’s a matter of national urgency.
