DGCA Takes Action Against Air India Over Safety Oversight and Emergency Equipment Lapse

India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has initiated enforcement action against Air India following a safety lapse involving overdue inspection of emergency evacuation slides on one of its aircraft. The action comes amid heightened scrutiny of airline safety protocols following the fatal crash of Air India flight AI 171 in June.

In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol confirmed that the DGCA discovered the overdue inspection during an audit of Air India’s operations.

“DGCA immediately grounded the aircraft until the required rectification was carried out. Enforcement action has been initiated against Air India and the responsible personnel in accordance with the DGCA’s Enforcement Policy and Procedure Manual,” Mohol stated.

The minister did not disclose the exact timing of the audit or when enforcement proceedings began.

The response was prompted by a query from DMK MP Tiruchi Siva, who asked whether the government was aware that Air India aircraft were operating with overdue emergency slide inspections in the weeks leading up to the crash of flight AI 171. He also questioned whether accountability had been fixed on DGCA for potential regulatory oversight failures.

Air India has faced increased scrutiny from the DGCA in recent months due to multiple operational and safety lapses.

On June 12, Air India’s Boeing 787-8 aircraft operating flight AI 171 to London Gatwick crashed into a building shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, resulting in the deaths of 260 people. The tragedy has intensified calls for stricter oversight and transparency in aviation safety enforcement.

Minister Mohol emphasized that DGCA routinely monitors airline compliance through surveillance, spot checks, and night inspections. “In case of violations, DGCA takes enforcement action as per established procedures. These actions may include warnings, suspensions, cancellations, and financial penalties imposed on airlines or personnel,” he said.

He added that DGCA officials are well-trained to carry out oversight and enforcement responsibilities effectively.


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