Securing the Skies: Innovating Cybersecurity Governance for India's Emerging Small Airports

Abstract

Cybersecurity policy and governance are becoming increasingly critical as small airports in India undergo rapid
expansion in operational capacity and digital integration under government-led initiatives like the Regional
Connectivity Scheme RCS-UDAN. This paper investigates the cybersecurity readiness and governance challenges
small airports face, specifically within the transformative context of Uttar Pradesh's civil aviation sector. Uttar
Pradesh, India's most populous state, has witnessed significant infrastructure innovation and policy-driven growth
in aviation, exemplified by the ambitious Civil Aviation Promotion Policy of Uttar Pradesh 2017, which aimed at
enhancing regional connectivity and economic inclusivity. However, this rapid advancement and digitalization,
involving extensive integration with national and international air travel networks, has simultaneously introduced
substantial cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Utilizing a Public Sector Innovation (PSI) framework, this research
evaluates innovative policy approaches and governance mechanisms for managing and mitigating these
cybersecurity risks. The study highlights vulnerabilities from increased complexity, limited administrative and
technical capacities, and resource constraints typical of smaller airport operations. It argues for the urgent need to
develop tailored cybersecurity frameworks that effectively address local contexts while ensuring alignment with
broader national and international cybersecurity standards. Key recommendations include establishing clearly
defined governance structures for cybersecurity oversight, enhancing multi-stakeholder coordination across
different administrative levels, promoting extensive cybersecurity awareness and training programs, and
instituting robust and responsive incident management and recovery mechanisms. These policy innovations and
governance reforms are crucial not only for safeguarding critical aviation infrastructure but also for supporting
sustainable economic growth, resilience, and inclusive development within India's rapidly evolving civil aviation
landscape. This paper provides valuable insights for policymakers, regulators, airport operators, and technology
providers, offering a strategic roadmap toward comprehensive cybersecurity preparedness for India's small
airports.