DGCA Audit Flags 51 Safety Lapses in Air India's Operations
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has identified 51 safety lapses in Air India's operations during its annual audit conducted in early July 2025. Among these, seven are classified as critical Level I breaches requiring immediate rectification by July 30, while the remaining 44 non-compliances must be addressed by August 23.
The audit raised serious concerns about Air India's compliance with mandatory aviation safety norms, revealing shortcomings such as:
Outdated and fragmented crew training manuals
Inadequate pilot training and use of unqualified flight simulators
Untrained personnel managing flight rosters and scheduling
Breaches in crew rest and duty period regulations
Flights operating with insufficient crew strength
Irregularities in approvals for low-visibility operations
Overdue inspections of critical emergency equipment, including aircraft evacuation slides.
This audit comes in the backdrop of heightened regulatory scrutiny after the devastating Air India Flight AI171 crash in June 2025, which resulted in the loss of 260 lives. The DGCA’s findings follow a thorough inspection of Air India’s main operational hub in Gurugram between July 1 and July 4, 2025.
The DGCA has issued multiple show-cause notices to Air India, demanding clear evidence of corrective actions. The airline has acknowledged receipt of the audit report, affirming its commitment to safety and promising a detailed response within the stipulated timeframe.
Air India's Response and Next Steps
Air India stated that it maintained full transparency during the audit and highlighted that such audits help continuously improve operational safety. The airline confirmed it would submit its corrective action plan by the deadlines set by DGCA.
Additionally, the DGCA grounded one aircraft that was found flying with an overdue safety inspection of its emergency slide, emphasizing enforcement of safety rules.
FAQs on DGCA Audit and Air India Safety Lapses
What are the major safety lapses found in Air India’s operations?
The DGCA identified 51 safety lapses, including critical issues like outdated training programs, unqualified simulators, insufficient crew rest compliance, and emergency equipment overdue inspections.
What are Level I violations?
Level I violations are the most serious safety breaches that pose immediate risks to operations. Air India must rectify its seven such breaches by July 30, 2025.
How is Air India addressing these safety concerns?
Air India has acknowledged the lapses and promised a full response with corrective measures. The airline asserts ongoing efforts toward strengthening safety protocols through regular audits.
What happens if Air India fails to fix these lapses?
The DGCA has enforcement powers including fines, warnings, or suspension of operations until compliance is achieved.
Is this audit related to the Air India Flight AI171 crash?
While the audit is a routine annual process, it was intensified following the crash. Some lapses overlap with concerns raised post-accident, fueling scrutiny of Air India’s safety management.
Published on: July 30, 2025
Published by: PAVAN
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