DGCA Issues Four Show-Cause Notices to Air India
India’s civil aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has issued four show-cause notices to Air India for multiple safety and operational violations. The notices were served after the airline voluntarily disclosed irregularities related to crew rest, flight duty limitations, and training compliance.
Key Violations Identified
The DGCA found that Air India had operated certain ultra-long-haul flights without following prescribed crew rest periods. In some cases, flights were scheduled with cabin crew exceeding allowable duty hours. The regulator also noted gaps in the airline’s adherence to mandatory training protocols and flight duty time regulations for pilots and crew.
Airline’s Response
Air India confirmed that it had proactively reported the issues to the DGCA last month. The airline stated that it is reviewing internal processes and will respond to the notices within the required time frame. It reiterated its commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards and ensuring full compliance with aviation regulations.
Regulatory Background
The move comes amid increasing scrutiny of Air India’s operational standards. The DGCA had earlier raised concerns about systemic issues, particularly related to fatigue risk management and insufficient crew on certain international routes. These latest notices reflect a broader push by the regulator to enforce strict adherence to crew duty norms and training obligations.
Next Steps
The DGCA has asked Air India to explain the circumstances leading to the violations and outline corrective actions. Depending on the airline’s response, the regulator may impose penalties or enforce operational changes to prevent future breaches.
