🛫 DGCA Orders Removal of Air India Crew Rostering Officials Over Safety Lapses
In a significant regulatory move, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed Air India to remove three crew rostering officials from their roles. This follows a probe into alleged violations in crew scheduling and fatigue management, raising concerns about passenger and operational safety.
The aviation regulator has also recommended disciplinary action against the individuals, citing lapses that could compromise flight safety norms.
🚨 What Triggered the Action?
According to DGCA sources, the action stems from:
Non-compliance with Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL)
Improper rest scheduling for flight crew
Violation of crew fatigue protocols
The investigation reportedly followed routine audits and pilot complaints, indicating irregularities that could increase fatigue-related safety risks.
👩✈️ Who Are the Officials Removed?
While DGCA has not disclosed names publicly, it confirmed that the individuals involved were part of the crew rostering and scheduling team responsible for assigning duties and managing work-rest cycles.
⚖️ Disciplinary Action Recommended
The DGCA has asked Air India to:
Permanently remove the three officials from their positions
Initiate disciplinary proceedings under internal HR and aviation safety protocols
Submit a compliance report within a stipulated timeframe
✈️ Air India’s Response
In an official statement, Air India acknowledged the directive and stated:
“We are committed to maintaining the highest safety standards. The actions suggested by the DGCA are being implemented with immediate effect.”
Sources within the airline said a review of crew scheduling systems is already underway, including the deployment of AI-based rostering tools for better compliance.
📉 Why It Matters
Crew rostering is a critical component of aviation safety. Errors or oversights can lead to:
Fatigue-related errors by pilots or cabin crew
Non-compliance with international safety norms
Regulatory penalties or even license suspensions
India’s aviation sector, under increased scrutiny due to a spate of recent incidents, is now seeing stricter enforcement by DGCA to curb systemic issues.
❓ FAQs: DGCA's Action Against Air India Officials
Q1. Why did DGCA order the removal of Air India officials?
Due to violations in crew rostering, rest schedules, and potential safety risks linked to pilot fatigue.
Q2. Will this affect Air India flights?
No immediate operational impact is expected, but internal processes will be revamped.
Q3. Are these officials permanently removed?
Yes, DGCA has ordered their removal and asked for further disciplinary measures.
Q4. What are the potential penalties for such violations?
Besides internal disciplinary action, DGCA can impose fines, warnings, or in extreme cases, suspend flight permissions.
Q5. Is Air India implementing changes?
Yes, the airline has stated it is cooperating fully and reviewing its rostering protocols.
📝 Final Takeaway
This move by DGCA reinforces its zero-tolerance policy on flight safety violations, especially involving crew scheduling and fatigue management. With Air India being closely watched as it modernizes under the Tata Group, ensuring compliance, transparency, and safety-first operations is now more critical than ever.
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Reported by Benny on June 21, 2025.
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