India’s aviation watchdog, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has issued a stern warning to Air India for serious safety lapses involving three Airbus aircraft. The violations, found during May 2025 spot checks, centered on overdue inspections of emergency escape slides, critical for passenger safety. This comes amid heightened scrutiny following the June 12, 2025, Air India Boeing 787 crash in Ahmedabad, though the DGCA clarified these Airbus issues are unrelated. As of June 22, 2025, here’s the latest on the situation and its implications.
Details of the Safety Violations
The DGCA’s investigation revealed that Air India operated three Airbus planes despite delayed safety checks on escape slides. One Airbus A320, used for international flights to Dubai and Riyadh, had inspections over a month late, completed only on May 15. An Airbus A319 on domestic routes was three months overdue, and another plane missed checks by two days. The DGCA called these lapses a “violation of standard airworthiness,” noting Air India’s slow response to fix the issues. Certificates of airworthiness for these planes were deemed suspended, raising concerns about oversight. Air India is now verifying maintenance records and faces potential penalties. We’ll update you as more details emerge.
Specific Aircraft Issues
The Airbus A320 flew international routes without timely escape slide checks, risking passenger safety. The A319’s three-month delay was the most severe, while the third plane’s two-day lapse was less critical. These findings highlight gaps in Air India’s maintenance scheduling.
DGCA’s Response
The DGCA sent warnings to Air India CEO Campbell Wilson and senior officials, criticizing “weak procedural control.” The regulator flagged outdated registration paperwork on several planes and demanded faster compliance. Non-compliance could lead to fines or license suspensions.
Air India’s Actions and Challenges
Air India, under Tata Group ownership since 2022, admitted the violations and is rushing to verify maintenance records, promising completion soon. The airline said one issue was caught when an engineer accidentally deployed an escape slide during maintenance. The DGCA also flagged crew scheduling violations, removing three executives for breaching pilot duty rules. Air India’s Chief Operations Officer now oversees the operations center to ensure compliance. These steps follow 12 safety violations in 2023, including a $127,000 fine for low oxygen on a flight. The airline faces pressure to rebuild its image after years of criticism for poor service. Stay tuned for updates on their progress.
Airline’s Statement
Air India told Reuters it’s committed to safety, implementing DGCA orders and speeding up record checks. The airline voluntarily disclosed some lapses, but the regulator criticized its lack of strict internal accountability for responsible officials.
Broader Scrutiny
The DGCA’s actions come after a deadly Ahmedabad crash, prompting nationwide safety checks. Air India’s Boeing 787 fleet passed inspections, but the Airbus violations and crew issues show ongoing systemic challenges. The airline cut 38 international flights weekly to focus on safety.
What’s Next for Air India
The DGCA’s warnings signal tougher oversight for Air India. The airline must address maintenance and crew scheduling lapses to avoid penalties or license revocation. Experts like Vibhuti Singh warn that unchecked escape slides could cause injuries in emergencies, underscoring the gravity of the violations. Air India’s Chairman, N. Chandrasekaran, called the Ahmedabad crash a chance to build a safer airline. With public trust shaken, the airline faces a tough road to restore confidence. We’ll keep you posted on any new developments or regulatory actions as they unfold.
Regulatory Outlook
The DGCA is demanding pilot training records and plans stricter audits. If Air India fails to comply, it could face hefty fines or flight restrictions. The regulator’s focus on safety reflects growing concern over repeated violations.
Public and Industry Impact
Passengers are worried, with bookings down 20% and fares dropping 15% after the crash. Air India’s reputation is at stake, but its efforts to fix issues could set a new safety standard if successful.
