Government Mandates Third-Party Audits of Airport Structural Stability

In response to recent roof collapse incidents, the government has mandated that all airport operators conduct third-party audits of the structural stability of airport buildings. Detailed evaluations of civil, electrical, and technical elements will be required before the monsoon season each year. A high-level expert committee has also been established.

The government on Monday announced directives mandating all airport operators to carry out third-party audits of airport structural stability. This move follows incidents of roof collapses at three airports last month.

Operators will now need to perform thorough evaluations of civil, electrical, and technical aspects of airport structures before the monsoon season annually. The Civil Aviation Ministry has formed a high-level expert committee, comprising structural engineers from IIT Delhi, to investigate the incident at the Delhi airport.

In the fiscal year 2023-24, an expenditure of Rs 795.72 crore has been allocated for repair and maintenance across 121 Airports Authority of India locations. Aviation regulator DGCA will continue regular audits to ensure compliance with these new standards.

(With inputs from agencies.)