Indian carriers may continue to enjoy the security comforts while flying to the US destinations as the country is likely to retain
category-I status. India has met almost all safety-related norms specified by the American aviation regulator, an official in the civil aviation ministry said requesting anonymity.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in its assessment of the country’s aviation safety environment had found many loopholes in areas such as airworthiness, surveillance of flight operation, technical staff shortage and cabin safety. Failing to meet FAA-specified requirements had put the country at risk of being downgraded by the US regulator to Category-II status. A downgrade by FAA bars domestic carriers flying to the US under scanner. It also makes it difficult for any new carrier to start flights to the US.