The Centre has appointed Vir Vikram Yadav as the new Director General of Civil Aviation, replacing Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, who has been moved to the role of additional secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training. The leadership change comes at a crucial time for India’s aviation sector.
Kidwai’s tenure at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, which began in January 2025, witnessed a series of challenges that brought the regulator under intense scrutiny. His period in office was marked by regulatory confrontations, operational concerns, and growing pressure to strengthen aviation safety oversight.
One of the most significant incidents during this time was the tragic Air India Flight 171 crash on June 12, 2025. The Air India Boeing 787-8, flying from Ahmedabad to London, crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in the loss of around 260 lives. The accident raised serious questions about safety protocols and regulatory effectiveness in the country.
The appointment of Yadav is expected to bring renewed focus on strengthening India’s aviation safety framework and restoring confidence in the regulatory system. As the aviation sector continues to expand rapidly, the new DGCA chief will play a key role in ensuring stricter compliance, improved oversight, and enhanced passenger safety.