In a significant move, foreign airlines operating in India can now employ airport operators for security services, a task earlier reserved for domestic airline staff. This decision of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) is intended to increase competition and reduce the risk of service disruption in India’s aviation sector.
Opening of competition for security services
Earlier, only domestic airlines like SpiceJet and Air India were responsible for security functions like aircraft security checks and secondary passenger frisking. The recent BCAS circular has relaxed these norms, allowing foreign airlines to employ airport staff for security functions, thereby expanding the pool of service providers.
Addressing SpiceJet’s financial crisis
The change comes amid financial concerns with SpiceJet, which has taken over several foreign airline security contracts following the closure of Jet Airways in 2019. Recent salary delays and attrition issues have raised fears of potential disruptions, leading to widespread competition in the security services market.
Expansion of security provider pool
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) had previously highlighted the limitations of some security providers and urged BCAS to expand the pool. Involvement of airport operators will not only diversify the market but also improve the quality of services, benefiting the 80 foreign airlines operating scheduled flights to India.
Restrictions and ongoing discussions
Airports with significant foreign stake, such as Bengaluru’s Fairfax-owned airport, will not be allowed to provide security services. However, major airport operators such as GMR, which runs Delhi, Hyderabad and Goa airports, are already planning to offer these services, and discussions are underway with foreign airlines.
conclusion
This decision of BCAS marks a significant change in the way foreign airlines manage their security needs in India. By allowing airport operators to handle security functions, the Indian aviation sector is set to reduce service disruptions, improve efficiency and experience increased competition in security services.
