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Air India Express Skipped Critical Engine Fix, Falsified Maintenance Records: DGCA Report

July 5, 2025, 9:47 am

India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), flagged Air India Express in March for failing to carry out crucial engine part replacements on one of its Airbus A320 aircraft, despite safety directives from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

The issue came to light as India’s aviation sector faces mounting scrutiny in the wake of a fatal Air India crash in Ahmedabad.

Airline Accused of Falsifying Maintenance Logs

A Reuters investigation based on official documents revealed that the low-cost carrier under Tata Group not only skipped the required repairs but also manipulated maintenance records to falsely indicate compliance.

The airline operates a fleet of over 115 planes and handles approximately 500 daily flights to more than 50 domestic and international destinations.

Specific Airbus Aircraft VT-ATD Under Watch

On March 18, the DGCA raised red flags regarding aircraft VT-ATD, an Airbus A320 that operates on both domestic and international routes such as Dubai and Muscat. The DGCA had earlier pulled up the parent airline, Air India, for operating three Airbus jets with overdue emergency escape slide checks.

Additionally, the regulator reprimanded the airline again in June for serious violations of pilot duty hour regulations.

Safety Risk Warning by DGCA

The DGCA’s official notice stated, “This condition, if not corrected, could lead to failure of affected parts, possibly resulting in high energy debris release, with consequent damage to, and reduced control of, the aeroplane.”

Issue Traced Back to Global Engine Manufacturer Warning

The safety concern stems from CFM International’s LEAP-1A engines, where EASA, in 2023, found manufacturing defects in components like seals and rotating parts. CFM International is a joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines.

EASA had issued a directive mandating all airlines using the affected engines to replace the flawed components within a fixed deadline.

Falsified Software Records Raised Alarm

A confidential government memo from March 2024, reviewed by Reuters, showed that Air India Express failed to conduct the required replacements in time. To make matters worse, the airline allegedly tampered with AMOS, the maintenance tracking software used industry-wide, to show that the job had been completed when it hadn’t.

Airline Admits Fault, Vows Correction

According to Reuters, Air India Express acknowledged the lapse and assured that corrective measures are now in place to prevent recurrence.

Air India Flight Drops 900 Feet After Takeoff From Delhi; Pilots Grounded as DGCA Launches Probe

July 1, 2025, 8:09 pm

An Air India flight bound for Vienna dropped 900 feet mid-air shortly after taking off from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport on June 14, prompting a serious safety probe by India’s aviation regulator. The airline confirmed that it has off-rostered the pilots involved in the incident pending the outcome of the investigation.

The near-miss came only two days after a fatal accident involving another Air India plane in Ahmedabad that killed 241 people, causing further alarm about air safety in the country.

Air India Confirms Altitude Loss, Pilots Taken Off Duty

As per Air India, the issue came to the forefront when the pilots filed a report about the mid-air loss of altitude. The airline immediately notified the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and launched a further investigation after downloading data from the recorders of the aircraft.

“After receiving the pilot’s report, the issue was reported to DGCA as per rules. Later, after receiving information from the aircraft recorders, the matter was investigated further. The pilots are off-rostered until the investigation is completed,” said an Air India spokesperson.

The flight concerned was a Boeing 777 that went on to complete its journey and arrive safely in Vienna after flying for 9 hours minutes.

Parliamentary Panel to Review Aviation Safety

Following consecutive aviation accidents, a parliamentary committee headed by JDU MP Sanjay Jha will study recent air crashes and assess manpower deficits in the aviation industry. Sources informed NDTV that the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, headed by Jha, will meet on June 23 to prioritise aviation safety.

Ahmedabad Air India Crash: Probe Underway

The Delhi-Vienna scare comes in the wake of the horrific crash of a London-bound Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner that crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12. The crash resulted in the death of 241 of the 242 individuals on board and also inflicted deaths on the ground.

Investigators recovered the aircraft’s black boxes—the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) on June 13 and the flight data recorder (FDR) on June 16—from the crash site. Investigators will publish a preliminary report by July 11, which could uncover major reasons for the crash.

With increasing scrutiny directed at Air India and Indian aviation regulators, the results of these probes can have long-term repercussions on the nation’s civil aviation safety standards.

Air India Faces DGCA Action, License at Risk Amid Crew Scheduling Lapses

June 23, 2025, 10:21 am

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a stern notice to Air India, which could have its operator’s license suspended or canceled due to “repeated and serious infringements” of pilot duty rostering regulations. This follows the aviation regulator’s instruction the instant remove three senior officers from their positions associated with crew scheduling and flight monitoring.

On June 20, the DGCA issued an enforcement order for the removal of Choorah Singh, the divisional vice president of the Integrated Operations Control Centre (IOCC), Pinky Mittal, chief manager-DOPS, crew scheduling, and Payal Arora, crew scheduling-planning. DGCA has relieved these officers of all duties connected with scheduling and rostering.

DGCA Identifies Systemic Failures in Oversight

The DGCA attributed “systemic failures in crew scheduling, compliance monitoring, and internal accountability” as a basis for its order. It stressed in the order, “Of particular concern is the absence of strict disciplinary action against responsible key officials directly responsible for these operational lapses. These officials have been party to serious and repeated lapses.”

The regulator further stated that any subsequent breaches involving crew scheduling, licensing, or flight time restrictions would “attract strict enforcement action, including but not limited to penalties, license suspension, or withdrawal of operator permissions as applicable.”

Crash Sparks Tighter Scrutiny

The DGCA’s strict action comes in the wake of increasing scrutiny of Air India following the crash on June 12 of its Boeing 787 Dreamliner on a flight from Ahmedabad to London. The crash shortly after takeoff killed 241 of the 242 on board and at least 30 on the ground. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is investigating.

Even though the regulator has not overtly linked the order to enforcement to the crash, evidence scanned by Hindustan Times indicates that tightened scrutiny is already in progress.

Air India Reacts to DGCA Action

In a press statement, Air India assured adherence to the DGCA directive, stating, “In the interim, the chief operations officer of the company will have direct supervision of the IOCC.” The airline further stated, “Air India is committed to ensuring that there is complete adherence to safety protocol and standard practices.”

Why DGCA Ordered Air India to Remove 3 Officials Over Compliance Failures

June 21, 2025, 3:57 pm

In a significant disciplinary move, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed Air India to remove three key officials from all responsibilities related to crew scheduling and rostering. This action follows serious operational violations discovered during a system audit post the airline’s transition to a new crew management system.

Top Officials of Air India Suspended After Audit Flags Major Lapses

The aviation safety regulator issued the directive on June 20, identifying the three individuals as Choorah Singh, Divisional Vice President, Pinky Mittal, Chief Manager in the Directorate of Operations, Crew Scheduling, and Payal Arora from Crew Scheduling and Planning.

The DGCA said that these officials were directly accountable for “serious and repeated lapses” involving non-compliant crew pairings, violations of mandatory licensing norms, and failures in adhering to recency requirements. These issues came to light after Air India voluntarily disclosed irregularities during its transition from ARMS (Airline Resource Management System) to CAE’s Flight and Crew Management System.

Violations Highlight Systemic Failure

The regulator’s order noted, “Repeated and serious violations” were found, particularly involving scheduling crew members despite lapses in their licensing, rest, and recency. While Air India voluntarily disclosed these violations, the DGCA emphasized that this pointed to a deeper problem of “systemic failures in crew scheduling, compliance monitoring, and internal accountability.”

The DGCA also flagged the “absence of strict disciplinary measures” against key officials who were responsible for overseeing these crucial functions.

Air India Responds, COO Takes Over Scheduling Oversight

Responding to the directive, Air India issued a statement acknowledging the DGCA’s order and confirming immediate compliance.

“In the interim, the company’s Chief Operations Officer will provide direct oversight to the Integrated Operations Control Centre (IOCC). Air India is committed to ensuring that there is total adherence to safety protocols and standard practices,” the airline said on Saturday.

Backdrop: Deadly Crash Prompts Tight Scrutiny

This regulatory action comes in the wake of a fatal crash involving an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner on June 12. The London-bound flight AI-171 crashed shortly after take-off in Ahmedabad, killing all but one of the 242 passengers and crew on board. The accident also claimed the lives of nearly 29 people on the ground after the plane struck a medical facility.

Sources indicate the airline has come under intensified scrutiny from the DGCA since the incident, with regulators reviewing internal practices and compliance systems more rigorously.

Air India Asked to Dismiss 3 Employees Over Recent Safety Lapses

June 21, 2025, 2:00 pm

India’s civil aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), asked Air India to immediately take disciplinary action against three top officials for ‘serious and repeated transgressions’ involving flight crew rostering and safety compliance.

The June 20 order followed the voluntary report by the airline of several cases in which crew members were to fly without meeting required licensing, rest, and recency mandates. The violations were revealed during the transition from the ARMS (Aviation Resource Management System) to the CAE Flight and Crew Management System, which is applied for crew monitoring and planning.

“The voluntary disclosures, though reported, reflect systemic shortcomings in crew scheduling, compliance monitoring, and internal accountability. Of concern is the lack of stringent disciplinary action against principal officials directly responsible for these operational failures,” the DGCA order said.

3 Officials Accounted for the Crash

The three Air India executives who were directly found guilty of the violations were Choorah Singh, P.V.P. Divisional Vice President; Pinky Mittal, Chief Manager, Directorate of Operations, Crew Scheduling; and Payal Arora, Crew Scheduling and Planning. These executives were held responsible for non-compliant and unauthorized crew pairings, violations of licensing and recency requirements, and scheduling oversight failures.

The DGCA has asked Air India to remove these officials immediately from any position having crew scheduling or rostering responsibilities. It also ordered the airline to take internal disciplinary action at the earliest. “Internal disciplinary proceedings are to be initiated against these officials at the earliest, and the result of such proceedings shall be submitted to this office within 10 days from the date of issue of this letter,” the order stated.

Until corrective reforms are implemented, the three men are to be transferred to non-operational functions and excluded from any role that may affect flight safety or crew adherence.

Air India Reacts to Regulator’s Order

Following the DGCA’s directive, Air India said, “We accept the directive given by the regulator and have followed the order. In the meantime, the Chief Operations Officer of the company will directly monitor the Integrated Operations Control Centre (IOCC).”

Reiterating its commitment to safety, the airline further said, “Air India is dedicated to ensuring there is complete compliance with safety procedures and standard practices.”

The move follows the increased scrutiny of Air India, days after a disastrous crash of an Ahmedabad-to-Gatwick flight that killed 241 passengers. While the DGCA order itself does not explicitly connect the breaches of schedule with the crash, the timing has heightened attention to the operational standards and the oversight of regulators.

DGCA Probes Air India After Minister’s ‘Broken Seat’ Sparks Controversy

February 22, 2025, 9:26 pm

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has asked Air India to explain itself after Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan lashed out at the airline’s service on social media. Chouhan claimed he was given a “broken and sunken seat” on Air India flight AI436 while he was traveling from Bhopal to Delhi on Saturday.

Disappointed, Chouhan said he had hoped for better service from Air India following its acquisition by Tata but was disappointed.

Minister Criticizes Air India’s Service on Social Media

Posting on social media, Chouhan complained about the substandard seat quality, terming it “unethical” to offer full fare to passengers while delivering faulty seats.

“My impression was that Air India’s service would improve after Tata took over, but it turned out to be my misconception,” Chouhan said in a tweet on Saturday. “I don’t mind discomfort in sitting, but it is unethical to make passengers sit on bad and uncomfortable seats after charging them the full fare. Isn’t this cheating the passengers?,” Chouhan tweeted.

आज मुझे भोपाल से दिल्ली आना था, पूसा में किसान मेले का उद्घाटन, कुरुक्षेत्र में प्राकृतिक खेती मिशन की बैठक और चंडीगढ़ में किसान संगठन के माननीय प्रतिनिधियों से चर्चा करनी है।

मैंने एयर इंडिया की फ्लाइट क्रमांक AI436 में टिकिट करवाया था, मुझे सीट क्रमांक 8C आवंटित हुई। मैं जाकर…

— Shivraj Singh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) February 22, 2025

His complaint has fueled widespread debates over Air India’s service standards and passenger comfort.

DGCA and Aviation Ministry Act Promptly

In response to Chouhan’s statement, the DGCA asked Air India for a response to the minister’s grievance. An aviation ministry official confirmed the development and said, “DGCA has sought a response from Air India on the issue of broken seats highlighted by the Union minister.”

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu also reacted, stating, “We spoke to the Air India immediately on this issue and instructed them to take necessary action. From our side DGCA will also be looking into details of matter promptly. And I have personally spoken to Shivraj ji also.”

Also, the ministry has spoken to Air India’s CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson, asking the airline to resolve the issue at the earliest. “We have advised Air India’s CEO to handle the matter on top priority,” a Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) spokesperson said.

Air India Issues Apology, Vows Probe

Following the outrage, Air India made an official apology, admitting the trouble caused to the minister.

“Air India deeply regrets the inconvenience caused to Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan ji on his flight from Bhopal to Delhi,” an Air India spokesperson said.

“This does not reflect the standard of service we strive to provide to our guests, and we are conducting a thorough investigation into the matter to ensure that such incidents are not repeated,” the spokesperson added.

Minister Details His Ordeal on AI436

Detailing further about the experience, Chouhan elaborated, “Today, I had to travel from Bhopal to Delhi to inaugurate the Kisan Mela in Pusa, hold a meeting of the Natural Farming Mission in Kurukshetra, and discuss matters with the honourable representatives of the Kisan Organization in Chandigarh. I had booked a ticket on Air India flight AI436 and was allotted seat 8C. When I sat down, I found the seat was broken and sunken. It was uncomfortable.”

“When I asked the airline staff why such a seat was assigned to me, they told me that the management had been informed earlier that the seat was not in good condition and that its ticket should not have been sold. This is not the only seat like this, there are many others,” he continued.

Chouhan said that other passengers asked him to change seats, but he did not want to disturb another person. “But why should I trouble another person for my sake? I decided to complete my journey sitting in the same seat,” he said.

Demands for Air India to Enhance Service Standards

The minister also questioned Air India’s management by asking, “Will Air India take steps to ensure that no passenger faces such inconvenience in the future, or will it continue to take advantage of passengers’ compulsion to reach their destinations quickly”

During the controversy, Air India announced that it had initiated a full-scale retrofit of its older planes. The project involves replacing all seats and renovating cabin interiors.

The carrier plans to have its narrow-body jet retrofitting done by mid-year, while wide-body aircraft is to start soon and be completed next year. However, the global supply chain disruptions have delayed those timelines.

While DGCA and the aviation ministry continue to look into the matter, passengers and industry observers closely observe how Air India will remedy this problem and enhance its service standard in the next few months.

Noida Airport to Begin Flight Booking in February with 30 Inaugural Services

January 8, 2025, 1:49 pm

In exciting news for air passengers in Noida and Greater Noida, the much-awaited Noida International Airport will open ticket bookings in February 2025. The inaugural flights, scheduled for April 2025, will feature 30 services, including both domestic and international routes.

The launch day will witness 25 domestic flights, alongside three international services connecting Noida to Zurich, Singapore, and Dubai. Additionally, two cargo services will begin operations on the same day, enhancing the airport’s functionality. The new airport promises to be a game-changer. The airport will eliminate the need for residents of Noida and Greater Noida to travel to Delhi for flights. The airport, conveniently located near the Yamuna Expressway, will drastically reduce travel time for commuters.

Ticket Booking Details

Reports indicate that flight bookings for Noida International Airport are expected to open 70 days before the airport’s official launch. This means passengers can start reserving their seats well in advance, marking Noida as a key gateway for both domestic and international travel. With the opening of ticket bookings, the airport is all set to become a prominent air travel hub in the region.

Noida International Airport Opening in April 2025

The airport, developed by Yamuna International Airport Pvt. Ltd., plans to commence passenger services in April 2025. The company has already submitted its flight schedule draft to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for approval. To further ensure smooth operations, Indian Oil will establish three fuel stations at the airport, catering to both passenger and cargo needs.

Enhanced Infrastructure for Seamless Travel

With the opening date fast approaching, the airport is being equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities to meet the needs of passengers. The first flight validation test took place in December 2024, ensuring everything is on track for a successful launch. Once operational, Noida International Airport will offer much-needed convenience for travelers, particularly benefiting the residents of Noida and Greater Noida.

Air India Express Flight Makes Safe Emergency Landing in Trichy After Landing Gear Issue

October 11, 2024, 8:53 pm

An Air India Express flight from Tiruchirapalli to Sharjah successfully made an emergency landing at Tiruchirapalli airport after encountering technical difficulties with its landing gear. The Ministry of Civil Aviation confirmed the safe landing of Flight IX 613.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) monitored the incident closely, while the airport was placed on high alert. According to the Ministry, although the flight faced a technical issue initially reported as a hydraulic failure, the landing gear was operational, and the aircraft touched down without any further complications.

Airport on High Alert

Airport Director Gopalakrishnan stated that the flight had to circle in the air to burn off fuel before attempting the landing. In preparation for any emergency, over 20 ambulances and fire tenders were stationed at the airport as a precautionary measure.

More details about the incident are expected to be released soon.

DGCA Grants Approval for Merger of AIX Connect and Air India Express

October 1, 2024, 2:55 pm

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted regulatory approval for the merger of AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia) with Air India Express (AIX), effective October 1, 2024. All aircraft of AIX Connect have been transferred to the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) of Air India Express, ensuring seamless airline operations without disruption for passengers.

Setting a New Benchmark in Airline Mergers

The merger of AIX Connect and Air India Express is being hailed as a significant achievement, establishing a new standard for future airline consolidations. Vikram Dev Dutt, Director General of Civil Aviation, stated, “This merger will create a more resilient and innovative airline, capable of competing effectively in the global market.” DGCA’s strategic regulatory oversight was crucial in facilitating this successful merger.

Insights for Upcoming Air India and Vistara Merger

DGCA emphasized that insights gained from this merger will be valuable for the ongoing merger process between Air India and Vistara. The AIX Connect and Air India Express merger involved the integration of various operational aspects, including aircraft, personnel, maintenance, and backend systems, showcasing the complexity of such endeavors.

Ensuring safety during the merger of two active airlines is a significant challenge. DGCA played a pivotal role in ensuring that all regulatory and safety requirements were thoroughly complied with and implemented. Typically, such transitions involve grounding the fleet, but DGCA’s proactive engagement with stakeholders allowed for a smooth transfer without any disruptions.

To manage the merger efficiently, DGCA set up a dedicated project team to coordinate actions and secure regulatory approvals within a specified timeframe. A live tracker was created to monitor progress at a granular level, which was shared with senior management to ensure the process remained on track.

DGCA reviewed the organizational structure, facilities, personnel, and fleet assets of the merged airline to ensure compliance with aviation regulations. The workforce’s training and distribution were also evaluated to maintain safety and operational efficiency. Additionally, aircraft lease agreements and insurance documentation were reviewed to meet domestic and international regulations.

Post-Merger Monitoring

DGCA has committed to closely monitoring post-merger operations to ensure ongoing regulatory compliance, safeguarding consumer interests, and maintaining the safety of air operations across India.

Shankh Air Receives Approval to Launch as India’s Newest Airline

September 24, 2024, 5:51 pm

Shankh Air, India’s newest airline, has received approval from the Union Aviation Ministry to begin operations, marking a significant milestone as the first scheduled airline to originate from Uttar Pradesh. Before commencing flights, however, Shankh Air must obtain clearance from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The ministry’s approval letter instructs the airline to comply with all relevant regulations, including those pertaining to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). The No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued is valid for three years.

Operational Plans and Fleet

With operational hubs planned for Lucknow and Noida, Shankh Air intends to launch services utilizing a fleet of new-generation Boeing 737-800NG aircraft. According to the company’s website, the airline aims to connect key cities across India, focusing on both interstate and intrastate routes to serve regions with high demand yet limited direct flight options.

Competitive Landscape in Indian Aviation

The entry of Shankh Air comes amid intensifying competition in the Indian aviation sector. Air India, the largest airline by market share, has made a comeback in August after experiencing a decline in July, increasing its market share by 40 basis points. Meanwhile, SpiceJet and Akasa Air reported declines of 80 and 20 basis points, respectively.

Passenger Traffic Trends

Data released by the DGCA on September 13 revealed that domestic air traffic in August grew by 5.7% year-over-year, reaching 1.31 crore passengers. However, traffic numbers saw a decline in August compared to May 2024, which recorded 1.38 crore passengers, with June and July also witnessing lower passenger counts.

DGCA Fines Air India Express Rs 10 Lakh for Regulatory Non-Compliance

August 29, 2024, 6:06 pm

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has imposed a fine of Rs 10 lakh on Air India Express for failing to comply with DGCA regulations, according to an official press release.

The penalty follows a Surveillance inspection conducted by the DGCA in June 2024 as part of its Annual Surveillance Program (ASP) for scheduled domestic operators. The inspection was focused on the airline’s adherence to the DGCA-issued Passenger-centric CAR (Civil Aviation Requirements) Section-3, Series M, Parts I, II, and IV.

During the inspection, it was found that Air India Express did not comply with the provisions of CAR Section-3, Series M, Part IV, particularly regarding compensation to passengers affected by flight cancellations. Following these findings, a show-cause notice was issued to Air India Express, seeking an explanation for the non-compliance.

In its response, Air India Express acknowledged that it had not adhered to the relevant CAR provisions, leading to the imposition of the Rs 10 lakh penalty by the DGCA. The DGCA reiterated its commitment to ensuring compliance with passenger-centric regulations through continuous inspections of scheduled domestic airlines at major airports.

The DGCA’s enforcement actions aim to protect the interests of air travelers by upholding stringent safety and service standards.

In a related development, the DGCA recently suspended the approval granted to Alchemist Aviation Private Limited to operate as a flying training organization. This action followed a fatal crash involving a trainee aircraft, resulting in the deaths of both the trainee pilot and the instructor. A special safety audit of Alchemist Aviation, conducted from August 23 to 24, uncovered several serious deficiencies and regulatory non-compliance, prompting the DGCA to take stringent measures against the organization.

DGCA Fines Air India ₹1 Crore For Non-Qualified Crew

August 23, 2024, 1:37 pm

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has imposed a hefty fine of ₹95 lakh on Air India for operating flights with non-qualified crew members. This penalty comes amid growing scrutiny of airline safety and compliance.

Penalties on Air India Management

In addition to the major fine on the airline, the DGCA has also levied individual penalties of ₹6 lakh on Air India’s Director of Operations and ₹3 lakh on the Director of Training. The penalties reflect the seriousness of the regulatory breach and aim to enforce accountability at multiple levels within the airline.

Incident Uncovered Through Voluntary Report

The issue came to light following a voluntary report submitted by Air India on July 10, 2024. The report led to a detailed investigation by the DGCA, which found that the airline had been operating flights with crew members who did not meet the necessary qualifications.

Regulatory Actions and Industry Impact

This action underscores the DGCA’s commitment to upholding aviation safety standards and ensuring that all personnel involved in flight operations are properly qualified. The penalties aim to reinforce the importance of compliance with aviation regulations and to prevent future lapses in safety protocols.

Air India’s Response

Air India has yet to comment on the penalties, but the fine represents a significant financial and reputational blow to the airline. The DGCA’s enforcement of such measures highlights ongoing efforts to maintain rigorous safety standards within the aviation industry.

Citing Safety DGCA Suspends Approval of International Aircraft Sales Pvt Ltd

August 22, 2024, 4:05 pm

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has suspended the approval of International Aircraft Sales Private Limited effective immediately, citing significant safety concerns. The action follows a crash involving a Cessna 152 aircraft, VT-BBB, operated by Belagavi Aviation and Sport Enterprises, Guna, on August 11. The aircraft crash-landed during a test flight due to engine failure.

The Cessna 152 had recently undergone maintenance, including an engine overhaul, at International Aircraft Sales Pvt Ltd’s DGCA-approved facility in Bhopal. Following the incident, the DGCA conducted a special audit of the company’s operations. The audit uncovered serious lapses in maintenance standards, leading to the suspension.

This move by the DGCA comes in the wake of similar actions taken last year, when it suspended the operations of Red Bird Flight Training Academy Pvt Ltd after a series of incidents. The academy’s operations were only restored after a complete recertification of their maintenance facilities.

DGCA De-Rosters Mumbai ATC Officer Following Near-Miss Incident On Runway

June 9, 2024, 12:59 pm

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has swiftly de-rostered an Air Traffic Control officer (ATCO) from Mumbai following a near-catastrophic incident involving two aircraft on the same runway. The event took place on June 8 at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM).

In the early hours of Saturday, IndiGo flight 5053, arriving from Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport (IDR), landed on runway 27 while Air India flight 657 was still in the process of taking off for Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV). Both flights were operating Airbus A320neo aircraft. The close timing of these maneuvers created a hazardous situation that could have led to a major accident.

The DGCA’s immediate decision to de-roster the ATC officer involved underscores the severity of the incident and the importance of adhering to strict safety protocols in aviation operations. An investigation is currently underway to determine the factors that contributed to this breach in protocol and to implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

“Mumbai and Delhi airports are high-intensity airports, operating around 46 flights per hour. ATCOs are responsible for maintaining the safe and secure arrival and departure of planes and passengers. In the viral video, the visibility appears to be quite good. If there is reasonable assurance through visual observation, the traffic separation minima can be reduced. In this incident, it appeared that the departing aircraft had already reached B2 speed and was nose-up while the arriving aircraft was touching down on Runway 27. The matter is under investigation,” said Alok Yadav, General Secretary of the ATC Guild India.

Footage of the incident, widely shared on social media, shows the Air India flight accelerating down the runway as the IndiGo flight descended. As the A320neo got closer, the Air India flight managed to take off, likely unaware of the approaching aircraft. Fortunately, the flight took off without any incident.

Following the incident, IndiGo stated, “On Jun 8, IndiGo flight 6E 6053 from Indore was given landing clearance by ATC at Mumbai Airport. The Pilot in Command continued the approach and landing and followed ATC instructions. At IndiGo, passenger safety is paramount to us, and we have reported the incident as per procedure.”

Delhi High Court Grants Relief to GoAir Lessors, Orders De-Registration of Grounded Aircraft

April 27, 2024, 12:06 pm

The Delhi High Court granted relief to the lessors of 54 grounded GoAir aircraft by directing the DGCA to de-register these planes within five working days. This decision complicates GoAir’s revival under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), as both Tata’s Air India and financially robust IndiGo are vying for around 15 Airbus A320 family planes. These planes could swiftly become airworthy.

The rest of the aircraft must wait for engine/spare replacements from Pratt & Whitney, as the company has struggled to supply parts to IndiGo for months, resulting in over 75 grounded planes. The Nishant Pitti-led consortium, including SpiceJet’s MD Ajay Singh, aims to revive GoAir under IBC and may negotiate for the 15 airworthy planes. The competition between AI/IndiGo and a consortium with SpiceJet ties leaves the lessors in a deliberative position.

The High Court’s decision permits lessors to conduct maintenance on the grounded planes until de-registration and export. The resolution professional and GoAir are prohibited from accessing or operating the aircraft, or tampering with accessories, spare parts, and documents.

Nitin Sarin, managing partner of Sarin & Co, expressed, “It is a significant victory for the lessors,” highlighting their struggle with the NCLT’s moratorium extension, which they contested due to terminated leases predating the moratorium.

Nishant Pitti stated, “We will review the details of the order…evaluate our position and consider any necessary adjustments to our proposed offer for GoAir.”

The Pitti-led consortium aims to proceed with the resolution process, anticipating a favorable outcome in GoAir’s arbitration case against PW in Singapore. Ajay Singh, seeking resources to sustain SpiceJet, sees potential in becoming the operational entity of a revitalized GoAir.

After Alaska Airlines Drama, 737 MAX Faces New Challenge in India with a Missing Part

January 9, 2024, 5:16 pm

According to India’s aviation regulator, DGCA, a safety assessment of 40 Boeing 737 Max jets operated by Indian airlines detected a missing part—a washer—on one of the aircraft. This discovery has prompted Boeing to issue a global request to inspect all of its 737 Max aircraft, totaling over 1,300 in active service, within 24 hours for “possible loose hardware.”

The 40 737 Max planes registered to Indian airlines are distributed among Akasa Air (22), SpiceJet (nine), and Air India Express (nine). While checks on 39 planes showed no issues, the inspection on the 40th revealed the absence of a washer. The DGCA confirmed that necessary actions, as recommended by Boeing, have been taken.

Boeing faces intensified scrutiny following a mid-air incident on an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9 plane, where a door blow-out endangered the lives of 177 passengers. This incident adds to a growing list of mishaps involving Boeing’s flagship jet, including a worldwide grounding between March 2019 and December 2020 after two separate crashes resulted in 345 fatalities.

On Monday, the DGCA initiated checks on India-registered 737 Max 8 aircraft, specifically focusing on reviewing the operation and proper closure of all over-wing emergency exits. Notably, no Indian airline operates the Max 9 version of the Boeing plane.

In a troubling development, both Alaska and United Airlines reported loose hardware on other 737 Max 9 planes on Monday. United Airlines identified “installation issues in the door plug,” requiring additional tightening of bolts, while Alaska Airlines found “loose hardware” on some aircraft. Sources suggest that United Airlines found “installation issues” on 10 of its planes, with Alaska Airlines yet to disclose the number of affected planes.

Last Friday, an Alaska Airlines plane made an emergency landing due to a reported pressurization issue. Terrifying images on social media depicted a blown-out window panel, leaving a hole in the side of the plane at an altitude of over 16,000 feet. Although the pilots successfully landed the plane, no major injuries were reported, despite oxygen masks being deployed and personal items being sucked out.

These safety concerns have prompted a worldwide grounding of Max 9 planes, with the U.S. Federal Aviation Authority ordering “immediate inspections” of all Max 9s globally. The aviation industry remains vigilant as investigations unfold and corrective measures are implemented to ensure passenger safety.

DGCA permits IndiGo’s direct flight from Delhi to Tashkent

August 17, 2023, 3:24 pm

According to a senior DGCA official, IndiGo has been granted permission to run between Delhi and Tashkent four days a week with effect from September 6.

In order to accommodate the rising demand for travel to the exciting city, IndiGo said that the airline would operate four nonstop flights between Delhi and Tashkent each week. In addition to boosting trade, this close proximity would improve economic and cultural ties between India and Uzbekistan.

Almaty, Kazakhstan, has been added to the list of international destinations, according to a separate announcement by IndiGo.

DGCA suspends pilot’s license for 3 months.

May 13, 2023, 5:41 am

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has imposed a fine of Rs 30 lakh on Air India for allegedly not taking prompt and effective action in the 27 February Dubai-Delhi flight cockpit violation incident and suspended the pilot in command for three months.
The pilot of Air India AI-915 Delhi-Dubai flight on 27 February allowed a woman friend to enter the cockpit, according to a complaint filed by a cabin crew member on the same flight who alleged that safety norms were violated. Last month, India’s aviation regulatory body DGCA issued a show cause notice to Air India CEO Campbell Wilson and Chief of flight safety Henry Donohoe for failing to report the Dubai-Delhi flight cockpit violation incident on time. The notice was issued on April 21 and 15 days were given to respond. “Air India CEO was issued show cause notice for the 27 February incident,” a DGCA official told news agency.
According to DGCA, the CEO of Air India received a complaint in this regard from one of the operating crew members of the flight. However, the organization did not take prompt corrective action despite this being a safety-sensitive violation.
Anticipating a delayed response, the complainant approached the DGCA.
Based on the outcome of its investigation, DGCA fined Rs 30 lakh to Air India for not promptly and effectively addressing the safety-sensitive issue. Further, the pilot license of the Pilot in command has been suspended for a period of three months for misuse of his authority vested under the Aircraft Rules 1937 and allowing violation of the applicable DGCA regulations.
The co-pilot has been warned for not being assertive in preventing the violation. Moreover, Air India has been directed to take administrative action against the SOD/passenger including removing from any Managerial functions in the organization for a specified period.
As per the DGCA CAR (Civil Aviation Regulations) and the Air India Operations manual, only authorised persons who have conducted preflight BA test (as applicable by rule) may enter the cockpit and sit there, provided they are on inspection or for purposes of flight safety only.

DGCA: Majority of passenger complaints related to flight issues and baggage

April 18, 2023, 5:34 pm

According to a study by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the bulk of the 347 passenger complaints that the scheduled domestic airlines received in March of this year related to luggage and flight issues.

On Tuesday, the AT report for the month of March was released by DGCA. The report states further that in March, this year, a total of 347 passenger-related complaints were received by scheduled domestic airlines. The number of complaints per 10,000 passengers carried for March 2023 has been around 0.27.

According to the Aviation Regulator Report-

Flight related problems- 38.6 per cent
Baggage problems- 22.2 per cent
Refund- related problems- 11.5 per cent

According to the report, Air India received the most complaints (106), followed by Spicejet (100), and IndiGo (66). With the exception of four complaints that are still ongoing against Air India and Alliance Air, all 347 received complaints have been resolved.

After mid-flight tussle, DGCA issues advisory to deal with unruly passengers

April 11, 2023, 10:19 am

Amid multiple reports of unruly behavior by passengers onboard flights, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued an advisory to all airlines asking them to action against such behavior during flight operations.

The advisory comes in the wake of a London-bound Air India flight returning to Delhi airport following a mid-air brawl in which a passenger caused “physical harm” to cabin crew members. The advisory also cited several other incidents that have happened in the recent past.

“In the recent past, DGCA has noticed a few incidents of smoking in aircraft. consumption of alcoholic beverages resulting in unruly behavior, altercations between passengers and sometimes inappropriate touching or sexual harassment by the passengers on board the aircraft during the flight, wherein post holders, pilots and Cabin Crew members have failed to take appropriate actions. Such incidents have the potential of compromising the safety of aircraft operations,” read the advisory.

“The individual’s/Airline’s responsibility for handling incidents of unruly behavior including smoking in aircraft, consumption of alcoholic beverages resulting in unruly behavior , altercations between passengers and incidents of inappropriate touching or sexual harassment by the passengers on board the aircraft during the flight have been specified under various provisions of the Aircraft Rules 1937, DGCA regulations. circulars and manuals of Airlines approved/ accepted by DCGA,” it read.

The DGCA advised airlines to sensitize their pilots, cabin crew and post-holders on handling unruly passengers.

“Heads of operations of all Airlines are hereby advised to sensitize their pilots, Cabin Crew and post holders on the handling of unruly passengers through appropriate means including but not limited to training programmes for ensuring effective monitoring, maintenance of good order and discipline on board the aircraft safety of aircraft operations is not jeopardized in any manner,” it read.

Earlier, on Monday, the AI flight, which took off for Heathrow Airport (London) around 6.30 am, returned to Delhi airport around 10 am after the crew reported to pilots about the physical altercation mid-flight.

After the plane landed at the Indira Gandhi International airport in the national capital, Air India filed a police complaint accusing the passenger of “indecent behaviour”.

Nearly 50 Indigo and GoFirst planes grounded

February 26, 2023, 9:43 pm

According to a Pratt and Whitney (P&W) representative, IndiGo and GoFirst were compelled to halt about 50 aircrafts in the nation as a result of the supply chain disruption caused by P&W engines.

According to a formal statement from P&W, the US-based aerospace firm is having trouble with the supply chain when it comes to replacing engines for Indian clients.India’s low-cost carrier Indigo currently has the maximum number of aircraft engines that are going to be replaced in the coming days with around 30 aircraft in their fleet standing and waiting for an engine replacement.

In 2019 DGCA issued instructions to IndiGo and GoAir to ensure that it does not operate any Neo aircraft with two Pratt and Whitney 1100 series engines that have been used for more than 3,000 hours each. At that time GoAir had 13 such aircraft and Indigo had 16 such aircraft in 2019.

Air India amends existing in-flight liquor policy after the urination case

January 25, 2023, 12:58 pm

In the wake of multiple incidents on its flights, Air India has modified its in-flight alcohol service policy wherein cabin crew have been told to tactfully refuse further serving of alcohol if needed. According to the revised policy, ‘Alcoholic beverages must be served in an appropriate and safe manner. This also includes refusing to serve alcohol to the guests’, Air India said in a statement on 24^th January.

Air India faced heavy backlash from everywhere including the DGCA for its poor handling of the back-to-back incidents of unruly behavior of the passengers on its flights. The airline has also included NRA’s Traffic Light System to help the crew recognize and manage possible cases of intoxication.

“The new policy has now been promulgated to crew and included in training curricula. Air India remains committed to the safety and well-being of our passengers and cabin crew, including but nit limited to the responsible service of alcohol”, statement added.

Scoot Airlines responds to DGCA notice, Provides relief options

January 21, 2023, 5:08 pm

Singapore budget air carrier Scoot said that the timing of its 18^th January flight, which had departed from Amritsar airport without several passengers was changed on account of the prevailing foggy conditions at the airport.

Scoot Airlines’ explanation came days after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) sought a report from the airlines. In its reply to the aviation regulator, the airlines said that 17 passengers were affected on 18^th January, as their travel agent did not inform them about the change in time. “Incidentally the timing of the flight was changed on account of the prevailing foggy condition at the Amritsar Airport”, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines said in a statement.

This triggered chaos at the airport with angry passengers who were left behind staging a protest. They registered their complaint with the authorities concerned at the airport. “Around 280 passengers were to travel to Singapore but 253 passengers were rescheduled, leaving behind over 30 passengers behind”, Amritsar airport Director said.

DGCA slaps Rs. 30 Lakhs penalty on Air India

January 20, 2023, 3:05 pm

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has imposed a financial penalty of Rs. 30 Lakhs on Air India. The aviation regulator also has suspended the license of the Pilot-in-command of the flight for the period of three months. According to the DHCA’s notification, the license of the Pilot-in-command has been suspended for a period of three months for failing to discharge his duties as per Rule 141 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, and applicable DGCA Civil Aviation Requirements.

“DGCA issues Show Cause notices to the Accountable Manager of M/s Air India, the Director of in-flight Services, and all the pilots and cabin crew members of that flight as to why enforcement action should not be taken against them for dereliction of their regulatory obligations. The written reply of M/s Air India and the personnel involved were examined, “The DGCA said in the statement adding that these actions have been taken in the instant case according to the written response of the airline.

Air India Urination Case: Air India submits response to DGCA

January 20, 2023, 12:28 pm

In connection with the alleged urination incident onboard, an Air India flight between New York and Delhi, Air India has submitted its reply to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Meanwhile, in the matter, the airline has submitted its reply to the DGCA, and after reviewing that, the final decision will be taken.

Earlier on 6 January a show cause notice was issued to the Accountable Manager of Air India, the Director of in-flight Services of Air India, and all the pilots and cabin crew members of that flight.

Moreover, only two weeks were given to the airline by the DGCA to submit their reply, and on that date action will be taken.

Earlier on Thursday, Air India banned accused Shankar Mishra from flying for four months in a urination case, and it is expected that other airlines will also ban him.

However, after the decision of Air India to ban Shankar Mishra from flying for four months, his legal team showed their disagreement with the committee’s findings.

Accused Shankar Mishra’s advocates, Ishanee Sharma and Akshat Bajpai, said, “We respect the authority and mandate of the Internal Inquiry Committee, we disagree with their findings and are already in the process of appealing this decision in accordance with the DGCA CAR for Unruly Passengers.”

Talking to the media Mishra’s lawyer said that “we would particularly like to point out that the Internal Inquiry Committee’s ruling hinges upon their incorrect understanding of the layout of the Aircraft.”

“When the Committee could not find an adequate explanation as to how the accused could have urinated on the complainant sitting on seat 9A without also affecting the passenger on Seat 9C, it has erroneously gone on to assume that there was a seat 9B in the business class in the aircraft and imagined that the accused could have stood at this imaginary seat and urinated on the complainant on seat 9A. However, there is no seat 9B in the business class on the craft – only seats 9A and 9C,” the statement said.

Furthermore, on 26 November, the incident took place on an Air India flight from John F Kennedy International Airport in New York to Delhi, the flight was on its way.

Scoot Flight departs early, leaving 35 passengers behind; DGCA orders probe

January 19, 2023, 12:00 pm

An Scoot Airline flight took off hours ahead of schedule, leaving behind 35 passengers at the Amritsar airport on Wednesday, after which the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered a probe.

Meanwhile, a Singapore-bound flight on Wednesday departed from its original schedule at 7:55 p.m. from the Amritsar Airport and took off at 3 p.m., hours ahead of its departure time.

Due to this, chaos was created at the airport when angry passengers who were left behind staged a protest. The passengers registered their complaint.

Moreover, after this, the airport authorities contacted the airline and were informed about the change in flight time via e-mail.

“Around 280 passengers were to travel to Singapore, but 253 passengers were rescheduled, leaving over 30 passengers behind,” the Amritsar airport director said.

Scoot Airline a Singaporean low-cost airline that is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Singapore Airlines and the Amritsar Airport authority.

However, according to the airline, the change in timing was informed to all the passengers via authority.

Earlier, GoFirst Airlines took off from Bengaluru and left 55 passengers behind at Bangalore Airport, after which the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a show cause notice to the Chief Operation Officer of GoFirst Airlines.

Furthermore, 55 passengers at Bangalore airport were left behind on the Delhi-bound Go First flight G8-116. Many passengers registered a complaint against Go First.

Passenger opens emergency exit door of IndiGo flight; DGCA orders probe.

January 17, 2023, 4:09 pm

A passenger on an IndiGo, Chennai-Tiruchirappalli flight opened the emergency door on December 10 2022, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation informed through an official communication, adding that it had taken due note of the incident and has ordered a probe into it.

A previous communication from the DGCA said the flight was bound for Trivandrum, but the carrier later issued a clarification saying it was flying to Tiruchirappalli. In the latest string of incidents of passenger misconduct, Air India international flights, the passenger, whose identity was yet to be ascertained, opened the emergency door leaving the others onboard the IndiGo Flight 6E-7339.

“The incident was duly reported. It appears that the passenger opened the RH emergency exit door by mistake whole aircraft was still on the ground. The crew moved in swiftly and all appropriate action to restore airworthiness such as reinstalling the door, pressurisation check was carried out before the flight was cleared for departure”, said a senior DGCA official.

Alliance Air pilot held by IAF for taking pictures, videos

January 13, 2023, 4:01 pm

The Alliance Air foreign-origin pilot was held by Indian Air Force (IAF) security personnel for a few hours on 9 January for taking pictures and videos at the airport’s prohibited area at Uttarlai Air Force Station, Rajasthan.

Later the pilot was de-rostered after which the airline stated, “Safety for Alliance Air is paramount and such occurrences are viewed seriously by Alliance Air. The said pilot has been a de-rostered pending investigation. We ensure that all required corrective actions are in place.”

“We would like to reiterate that Alliance Air as an airline adheres to the procedures/policies. We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused to our esteemed guests on board,” the statement further said.

Earlier on 9 January a charter flight was operated from Delhi to Uttarlai Air Force Station by Alliance Air and after landing several pictures and videos were clicked by the pilot.

However, a complaint has been lodged by the IAF with the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

DGCA issues show cause notice to GoFirst

January 10, 2023, 7:02 pm

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Tuesday issued a show cause notice to the Chief Operation Officer of Go First airlines. Earlier, on Monday 55 passengers at Bangalore airport were left behind in the Delhi-bound Go First flight G8-116. Many passengers registered a complaint against Go First.