(a) whether the US Federal Aviation Administration has issued directives to all global carriers to strengthen the plane`s cockpit doors making it impossible for passengers to open them and thereby making the aircraft hijack-proof;
(b) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto; and
(c) by when the work for making the Air-India/Indian Airlines` planes hijack-proof is likely to be completed?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION ( SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK )
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has mandated the requirements issued by the FAA applicable to airplanes having a door between the passenger & pilot compartment and engaged in Scheduled Air Transport services(passenger) or all cargo operations where provision is also available to carry passengers.
(c) DGCA has directed Indian Airlines and Air India to comply with the modifications on affected aircraft by 9th April, 2003.