The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has levied a ₹1 crore penalty on Air India after the airline operated an Airbus A320 aircraft without a valid airworthiness permit on multiple flights.
The aviation regulator described the infraction as serious and held senior management responsible for the safety lapse.
The Airbus A320 flew eight sectors between New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad on 24 and 25 November last year.
The aircraft operated without the required Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC) during these flights.
The regulator noted that flying an aircraft without this crucial approval constitutes a significant violation of established safety standards.
The ARC is an annual certification issued by the DGCA only after an aircraft completes mandated safety and compliance checks.
The certificate assures that the aeroplane meets all operational and technical requirements for continued service.
Sources said the DGCA took a strict stance on the matter, criticising what it termed the airline’s ‘casual approach’ to regulatory compliance.
The authority’s decision underscores its commitment to enforcing aviation safety norms without compromise.
Responding to the order, an Air India spokesperson stated that the airline had voluntarily reported the incident in 2025.
The spokesperson further added that all identified shortcomings have been rectified to the DGCA’s satisfaction and shared with the regulator. He reiterated that the carrier remains committed to upholding the highest standards of operational integrity and flight safety.
Air India has endured a challenging period following the Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad in June 2025, which dealt a significant blow to its safety reputation and revival efforts.
The airline has also struggled to achieve financial stability since its privatisation and handover from government ownership.
Reports indicate that Air India is actively searching for a new Chief Executive Officer to succeed Campbell Wilson, whose contract runs until mid‑2027.
Sources suggest Wilson is unlikely to continue, making the transition amicable.
The delay in breaking even by the 31 March target has intensified focus on leadership change.
Pakistan’s closure of its airspace forced Indian carriers to take longer flight routes. This change increased operational costs and further impacted the airline’s financial performance.
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