DGCA Flags Major Pilot Training Gaps at Air India
India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) uncovered serious safety and training lapses at Air India during a July 2025 audit, identifying 51 compliance failures that raise concerns about the airline’s operational standards. The findings, revealed in an 11-page confidential report reviewed by Reuters, come as Air India remains under scrutiny following the fatal crash of Flight AI171 in June, although the audit is not directly linked to the accident.
The DGCA audit team, composed of 10 inspectors and four auditors, flagged seven “Level I” violations requiring urgent action by July 30, and 44 additional compliance issues due by August 23. Among the most critical findings was the revelation that some Boeing 787 and 777 pilots had not completed mandatory monitoring duties prior to their scheduled evaluations. The report also criticized Air India for failing to conduct adequate route assessments and using simulators that did not meet required qualifications for training at complex Category C airports. The absence of this training could lead to safety risks during approaches to challenging destinations, according to the DGCA.
Further compounding the issue, the regulator found Air India’s crew rostering system lacked necessary safeguards to ensure flights were assigned the minimum required crew. Inspectors noted the system “doesn’t give a hard alert” when understaffed, posing a potential threat to flight operations. The report also highlighted lapses in pre-flight door and equipment checks, as well as inconsistencies in training documentation.
Air India responded by stating it had fully cooperated with the audit process and would submit a detailed report outlining its corrective actions within the specified deadlines. The airline emphasized its commitment to addressing the concerns raised and implementing necessary reforms.
These regulatory findings come at a difficult time for Air India, which is already facing intense scrutiny following the AI171 crash that claimed 260 lives. In July, the airline completed precautionary inspections of fuel control switches across its Boeing 787 and 737 fleets, reporting no issues with locking mechanisms. The fatal crash investigation had noted that the switches on the downed aircraft were found in the “cutoff” position, a detail under active investigation.
As Tata Group continues efforts to modernize and expand Air India post-privatization, the DGCA’s audit highlights the urgent need to strengthen safety protocols and training procedures. With global attention focused on Indian aviation, the airline must now demonstrate that it can meet international safety standards and rebuild confidence among regulators and travelers alike.
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