The government has given approval to the 'Civil Aviation Authority Bill 2013' to administer and regulate aviation safety.

The bill will shortly be tabled in Parliament for approval. The proposed new aviation authority will have the powers to levy fees and charges under the 1934 Aircraft Act.

As per the bill, the authority will have safety oversight of air transport operators, airport operators, navigation service providers, and those providing other aviation services or facilities. It will also protect consumer interests and deal with issues like financial stress and environment. In addition to this, the authority will also coordinate with the UN agency International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and other agencies and take action arising out of Safety Oversight Audit programme of the ICAO.

Besides regulating civil aviation safety as per the bill, the proposed authority will be tasked to draw up a State Safety programme and approve a safety management system. It will also look after the implementation of the system in coordination with other authorities concerned.