Air India Probed After A320 Flew Eight Times With Expired Certificate

Air India has issued a formal clarification after reports alleged that one of its Airbus A320 aircraft operated multiple flights without a valid airworthiness certificate. The airline acknowledged the lapse, reported it to India’s aviation regulator, and suspended the personnel involved while a full internal investigation is underway.

The clarification follows a report by The Economic Times claiming that a 164-seat A320 flew eight times on 24 and 25 November despite its Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC) having expired. The issue surfaced when an engineer detected the lapse, after which the aircraft was immediately grounded.

In a statement, an Air India spokesperson described the incident as “regrettable” and emphasized that the airline promptly notified the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). “All personnel associated with the decision have been placed under suspension, pending further review,” the airline said. “We have initiated a comprehensive internal investigation and are fully cooperating with the regulator.”

Air India added that it remains committed to the highest standards of operational integrity and safety, stressing that any breach of compliance protocols is taken “with utmost seriousness.”

DGCA Launches Investigation

The DGCA confirmed that it had been informed about an Air India aircraft operating for eight sectors with an expired ARC. The regulator has ordered a formal investigation and grounded the aircraft. “Concerned personnel have been de-rostered with immediate effect pending investigation,” the DGCA said in its statement.

The agency has instructed Air India to review its internal processes, identify systemic gaps, and implement corrective measures to prevent similar incidents. The lapse is expected to be classified as a Level 1 violation—indicating a serious compromise of safety standards.

The latest incident adds to a series of operational errors involving the airline. It also comes months after the deadly Air India crash on June 12 in Ahmedabad, which killed 260 people, further intensifying scrutiny of the carrier’s safety oversight.

What Is an Airworthiness Certificate?

An airworthiness certificate, issued by the DGCA, confirms that an aircraft is safe to operate based on a thorough review of inspections, maintenance, and compliance records. The certificate must be renewed annually. Operating a commercial aircraft without a valid certificate is a serious regulatory violation, potentially exposing airlines to penalties, loss of insurance coverage, and legal consequences.

Potential Impact on Lessors and Insurance

Experts warn that Air India may also face repercussions from aircraft lessors. Operating an aircraft with an expired airworthiness certificate can invalidate insurance coverage and raise red flags about maintenance oversight. “By operating an aircraft which was not certified to be airworthy, the carrier has risked flight safety and that of all passengers,” a senior government official told the publication. “This is a serious violation and not expected from a mainline carrier like Air India.”

This is not the first time Air India has faced regulatory action in recent months. Earlier this year, CEO Campbell Wilson and other senior executives received show-cause notices for operating aircraft components beyond their certified service life. The DGCA also suspended the airline’s head of engineering quality, who is responsible for internal audits and compliance monitoring.

As the probe continues, both Air India and the DGCA are expected to release further updates on corrective actions and the findings of the internal and regulatory investigations.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, The Economic Times