Are Approvals Required for Short-Term Aviation Courses in India?
Posted on : 29 October, 2025 12:50 pm
When it comes to short-term aviation courses, people often think of Are Approvals Required for Short-Term Aviation Courses in India?
While that’s true for flying and technical operations, not every aviation course in India needs DGCA or government approval, especially short-term skill-based programs like Airport Management and Ground Staff Training
In this blog, we’ll clarify which aviation courses need official approval and which ones don’t.
Understanding Course Categories in Aviation
In India, aviation courses generally fall into two categories:
- Licensed or Regulatory Courses – These relate directly to flight operations, aircraft maintenance, or safety.
- Example: Pilot Training, Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME), Air Traffic Control, etc.
- Such programs must be approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) or other relevant authorities.
- Non-Licensed or Skill-Based Courses – These focus on job-ready skills for airport and airline operations.
- Example: Airport Management, Ground Staff, Customer Service Executive, Air Ticketing, Cargo Handling etc.
- These courses do not require DGCA or government approval.
Do Airport Management and Ground Staff Courses Need DGCA Approval?
No, they don’t.
Airport Management and Ground Staff Training are short-term, skill-based programs aimed at preparing students for roles in airport operations, airline customer service, cargo handling, and terminal management.
These programs do not issue any DGCA license or rating, allowing institutes to offer them independently.
Why No Approval Is Required
Unlike pilot or engineering training, Airport Management and Ground Staff courses:
- Do not involve direct flight operations or aircraft maintenance.
- Focus on soft skills, operations management, and customer service.
- Are meant for entry-level roles not regulated technical positions.
Therefore, the DGCA or BCAS (Bureau of Civil Aviation Security) does not require institutes to seek approval to run these programs.
Career Scope after Certification
Certification Graduates of these short-term programs can find opportunities in:
- Airlines and Airports
- Ground Handling Agencies
- Cargo and Logistics Companies
- Aviation Customer Service
- Airport Retail and Hospitality
With the rapid growth of India’s aviation sector, the demand for skilled ground and management staff continues to rise, making these courses a smart career choice even without regulatory approval.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning to enroll in a short-term course like Airport Management or Ground Staff Training, you don’t need to worry about DGCA approval. These are skill development programs not licensed courses and the industry recognizes their practical value.