5.1.2. Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS)

The BCAS was established as a cell in the DGCA in 1978 on the recommendations of the Pandey Committee constituted in the wake of hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight in 1976. The role of this cell was to coordinate, monitor, inspect and train personnel in Civil Aviation Security matters.

The BCAS was reorganized into an independent department on 1st April 1987 under the Ministry of Civil Aviation following the Kanishka tragedy in June 1985.

The main responsibility of BCAS is to lay down standards and measures in respect of civil flights at international and domestic airports in India and Indian operators at foreign airports.

The BCAS is the regulator for civil aviation security in the country. It is responsible for laying down the standards for pre-embarkation security anti-sabotage measures in respect of civil flights and ensuring their compliance through regular inspections and security audits.