NEW DELHI: The draught Aircraft Security Rules, 2022 has been announced by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. This will enable the aviation security regulator, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) to impose fines upto Rs.1 crore on airports and airlines for violation of security measures.

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 (depending on the size of the enterprise) after the draught Rules are finalised.

If large airports fail to prepare the design and layout of the airport in conformity with the National Civil Aviation Security Programme, they risk a fine of Rs. 1 crore. Depending on the type of offence, individuals may also be subject to penalties ranging from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 25 lakh. The BCAS will also have the authority to revoke or suspend an entity's airport security clearance and security programme, in accordance with the proposed rules.

The regulations also demand that each institution safeguard its information and communication technology systems from unauthorised use and forbid the leaking of critical aviation security information in order to address cybersecurity concerns. The proposed regulations now permit airports to use private security agents in "non-core areas" instead of CISF troops and to delegate security responsibilities in accordance with the 2016 National Civil Aviation Policy.

"Once the Aircraft Security Rules 2022 are finalised, they will significantly increase the likelihood that the nation has an efficient aviation security system. These also adhere to ICAO standards, according to Zulfiquar Hasan, DG of BCAS.

The regulations, which will replace the Aircraft Security Rules of 2011, were required after the Aircraft Amendment Act of 2020 was passed by Parliament in September of that year. This act granted 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.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the United Nations' aviation watchdog, raised concerns about the three regulators' operation in the absence of formal authority, necessitating the amendment in Parliament.

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