DGCA takes Air India to task over ‘systemic errors’

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ordered Air India to remove three of its staffers from crucial operational duties and issued a stern warning for “repeated and serious violations” related to pilot duty scheduling and oversight, with the regulator stating it could suspend the airline’s licence in case of future breaches.

Air India faces intense scrutiny following the June 12 crash of its London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner in Ahmedabad, which killed 241 of 242 people aboard and at least 30 more on the ground.

Two more documents seen by HT suggest the regulator was in the midst of further ramping up scrutiny on the airline, including by initiating a compilation of all audits and checks carried out on Air India since 2024.

The regulator and Air India did not respond to requests for a comment on whether the order dated June 20 was related to the crash in Ahmedabad this month.

In a statement, Air India said it has implemented the DGCA order and “in the interim, the company’s chief operations officer will provide direct oversight to the IOCC.” “Air India is committed to ensuring that there is total adherence to safety protocols and standard practices,” the airline stated.