New Delhi: An independent regulator for the aviation sector would come into affect by October this year, a top aviation official said Thursday.

K.N. Srivastava, joint secretary in the civil aviation ministry, told reporters that the Airport Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) Bill, 2007, which would provide a regulatory authority for the aviation sector, would come up for discussion and approval during the second half of the budget session of parliament, bbeginning April 15.

"Soon after the bill is cleared by parliament, the regulator would be in place by October," said Srivastava.

The proposed authority would fix, review and approve tariff structure for the aviation services and monitor performance standards at Indian airports.

The authority will ensure a level playing field for all categories of airport operators and also oversee and deal with monopoly and common user carrier segments of airports, said the official.

Srivastava added that the government would come up with a Vision Document 2020 for the aviation sector.

"It is before the group of ministers. They are taking a view to it. The vision document would deal with airport infrastructure, security, connectivity and other issues relating to reforms in the aviation sector," he said.