AI, Blockchain to Power DGCA’s New Aviation Safety Monitoring System

India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), is preparing to launch a next-generation version of its digital governance platform, eGCA 2.0, incorporating artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, blockchain technology and predictive analytics to enhance regulatory oversight and aviation safety. The initiative is aimed at modernising the country’s aviation governance framework as passenger traffic, fleet sizes and operational complexity continue to grow rapidly.

According to reports, the upgraded platform will move beyond basic digitisation and introduce intelligent automation tools capable of analysing large volumes of operational data. The system is expected to support predictive surveillance, allowing the regulator to identify emerging safety risks before they develop into serious incidents. AI-driven analytics could help DGCA monitor maintenance trends, operational irregularities and compliance issues more effectively, enabling targeted inspections and proactive interventions.

The proposed eGCA 2.0 platform will also use blockchain technology to improve data security and integrity. By creating tamper-resistant digital records for pilot training, flight-hour logs, maintenance certifications and licensing processes, the regulator aims to reduce the risk of data manipulation and fraud. The move comes as aviation authorities worldwide increasingly adopt advanced digital tools to improve oversight, transparency and safety management. The existing eGCA platform, launched in 2021, already digitises hundreds of regulatory services for pilots, operators and maintenance organisations.

To support the implementation of the project, DGCA has reportedly sought a Technology Project Management Unit (Tech-PMU) that will help integrate the new technologies while ensuring cybersecurity and data protection compliance. The regulator expects eGCA 2.0 to streamline approvals, reduce administrative workload and create a more responsive, data-driven regulatory environment for India’s rapidly expanding aviation sector.