Aviation Watchdog Finds 51 Major Safety Lapses in Air India Operations
An audit by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has uncovered 51 safety lapses at Air India, including seven critical "Level I" breaches requiring immediate action. The findings flag significant gaps in pilot training for Boeing 777/787 aircraft, use of unapproved simulators for challenging airports, and poor crew rostering that led to flights with insufficient staff. The audit heightens scrutiny on the Tata Group-owned airline's safety protocols, which are already under review following recent incidents.
Unpacked:
The immediate trigger was a fatal Boeing 787 crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, which resulted in 260 deaths and led to heightened regulatory attention on Air India's operations and safety protocols.
'Level I' safety breaches are defined by the DGCA as serious violations that pose significant risks to safety and require immediate corrective action. These typically involve core operational issues, such as inadequate pilot training or crew shortages, which can directly threaten flight safety.
Air India has acknowledged the DGCA's audit findings, promised to submit a formal response within the required timeframe, and stated it will implement corrective actions. The airline emphasized transparency during the audit and its ongoing commitment to passenger and staff safety.
According to the DGCA, a high number of audit findings is not uncommon for airlines with large fleets and extensive operations. Such audits reflect the complexity and scope of their operations rather than indicating unique or extraordinary negligence.