In the wake of the recent Air India Flight AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad, a Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting was held to address concerns surrounding aviation safety and related issues. During the session, former Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel drew attention to a critical issue: the shortage of senior-level skilled personnel within the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

The meeting, which included participation from key aviation stakeholders such as Air India's CEO Campbell Wilson, DGCA, AAI, and AIRAF officials, was initially scheduled to discuss airport levy charges. However, the focus shifted to the Air India crash and broader aviation safety concerns. Members of Parliament (MPs) raised pointed questions about the timeframe for analyzing the black box of the crashed aircraft.

Patel emphasized that while Indian aviation remains safe and all airlines adhere to necessary safety protocols, the DGCA's staff shortage, especially at the top levels, needs immediate attention. He suggested a practical solution: rehiring retired DGCA personnel to address the immediate crisis and restore public trust in the aviation industry. Patel reassured the public that there is no need to panic, stating that "Safety is paramount... Indian aviation is safe". He also acknowledged that "DGCA is doing a good job, but it needs more skilled manpower at the senior level".

In addition to the Air India crash, the committee also addressed the sudden surge in flight fares from Srinagar following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. MPs expressed alarm over airlines significantly increasing fares immediately after the attack, deeming such practices against established standards. Some MPs called for a special audit of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) to examine the agency's functioning and preparedness.

The PAC Chairperson, KC Venugopal, called for clearer regulations on airline fares, reflecting widespread concern over safety and pricing practices. Following the Pahalgam attack, the Union Civil Aviation Minister announced measures to prevent fare surges and ensure reasonable pricing for travelers, reinforcing the government's commitment to maintaining safe travel conditions for tourists.

The Air India AI-171 crash, which resulted in 241 fatalities, remains under investigation, with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) leading the inquiry and having successfully retrieved data from the black box. Specialists in aviation medicine and air traffic control are also part of the investigation team.

The parliamentary panel also highlighted a prior report that criticized the inadequate budget for aviation security and crash probe infrastructure, despite India being the world's third-largest aviation market. The report noted that the ₹35 crore budget was insufficient.