India's aviation regulator DGCA is proposing a groundbreaking institutional reform to become financially self-sustaining.

India's aviation regulator DGCA is proposing a groundbreaking institutional reform to become financially self-sustaining. The plan involves creating an independent revenue stream through passenger fees, licensing charges, and penalties, reducing dependence on government budgetary support. By transitioning to a board-led structure with domain experts, the DGCA aims to strengthen aviation oversight during a period of rapid fleet expansion. The proposed model would allow the regulator to attract specialized talent by offering competitive industry salaries and creating dedicated vertical teams. With India expected to add over 1,000 aircraft in the next four years, this strategic restructuring addresses critical staffing shortages and provides a more dynamic governance approach.