Lok Sabha Question No. 553 (STARRED), answered on 2026-04-02
Subject: Strengthening of Safety Protocols at Airports
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Shri Parshottambhai Rupala

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. : 553

( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE  2nd April 2026 )

## STRENGTHENING OF SAFETY PROTOCOLS AT AIRPORTS

## 553.    SHRI PARSHOTTAMBHAI RUPALA Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether the Government has taken cognizance of fire-related incidents at various airports in  the  country,  including  those  occurring  during  aircraft  maintenance  operations,  incidents involving flammable chemicals at Mumbai airport and ignition of a bitumen-laden truck at Bengaluru airport and if so, the details thereof;
- (b)  the  measures  taken,  in  coordination  with  airport  operators,  oil  companies  and  other stakeholders to strengthen safety standards at aviation fuel stations and ensure regular safety audits and training of staff at Airports including Rajkot Airport; and
- (c) the details of initiatives undertaken to upgrade electrical safety systems, first-aid facilities and firefighting infrastructure at Rajkot as well as other airports in Gujarat?

## ANSWER

Minister of CIVIL AVIATION      (Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu)

(a) to (c): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

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STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (A)  TO  (C)  IN RESPECT OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 553 FOR REPLY ON 02.04.2026 REGARDING STRENGTHENING OF SAFETY PROTOCOLS  AT  AIRPORTS  ASKED  BY  SHRI  PARSHOTTAMBHAI RUPALA; ; (a) All fire-related incidents at airports are  reported,  investigated and  addressed  by  the  respective  airport  operators  in  accordance  with  the applicable norms and standards prescribed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation  (DGCA), the  International  Civil  Aviation  Organization  (ICAO),  and the  National  Fire  Protection  Association  (NFPA).    Due  cognizance  has  been taken  of  all  fire-related  incidents  reported  at  Mumbai  airport  by  the  airport operator,  including  minor  incidents  during  aircraft  maintenance  activities  and isolated incidents involving flammable chemicals. These incidents were promptly  controlled  with  timely  intervention  of  the  Airport  Rescue  and  Fire Fighting  (ARFF)  services  followed  by  response  from  city  Fire  Brigade  in  a timely manner, which re-assures robust firefighting mechanisms in place.   The incident regarding ignition of bitumen-laden truck at Bengaluru Airport occurred on land-side of the airport and had no impact on aircraft operations or maintenance  activities.  The  incident  was  investigated  by  the  state  authorities and the recommendations have been implemented by the airport operator and all such works are closely monitored in order to avoid recurrence.

(b)  &  (c):  The  Directorate  General of  Civil  Aviation  (DGCA) has issued the necessary safety precautions and fire prevention measures to be followed during aircraft maintenance and related fuel and oil storage activities. These measures, inter  alia,  include  the  proper  storage  and  handling  of  flammable  materials, provision of adequate firefighting equipment, and the conduct of periodic safety inspections.  Further,  the  approval  of  Aviation  Fuel  stations  by  the  DGCA entails  verification  of  all  prescribed  safety  requirements  as  per  the  applicable Civil  Aviation  Requirements  (CAR),  Section  2,  Series  E,  Part  VI,  including adequacy  of safety equipment  and  training of personnel. All  concerned organizations  are  required  to  adhere  strictly  to  these  guidelines.    Aerodrome licensing  mandates  compliance  by  aerodrome  operators  with  the  regulatory requirements prescribed under Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR), Section 4, Series B, Part I. Maintenance of the Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) system is required to be carried out in accordance with the category of aircraft operations.  The  ARFF  system  comprises  extinguishing  media,  crash  fire tenders, and trained manpower etc. The prescribed performance standards of the ARFF system are required to be maintained at all times and are ensured through surveillance inspections conducted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).;  ;  Airports  Authority  of  India  Fire  Services  has  provided  requisite level of Fire protection and First aid facilities as per the ARFF Category at AAI airports including Rajkot.

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