India’s top aviation authority, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has issued a serious warning to Air India over repeated violations of pilot flight duty time regulations, highlighting concerns over flight safety and crew management practices.

DGCA Flags Repeated Breaches in Flight Scheduling

In an official order dated June 20, the DGCA raised concerns over flights from Bengaluru to London operated on May 16 and 17, which exceeded the 10-hour pilot duty limit. The DGCA pointed to systemic failures in crew scheduling and criticized Air India for its lack of disciplinary action against those responsible.

As a result, the regulator has ordered the removal of three senior executives:

• A Divisional Vice President
• The Chief Manager of Crew Scheduling
• A Planning Executive

These staff members were directly linked to the lapses, and their removal is part of corrective steps ordered by the DGCA.

Air India Under Growing Scrutiny

This action comes shortly after another warning was issued to the airline for operating three Airbus planes with overdue emergency equipment checks, including escape slide systems. Although unrelated to the recent Air India Boeing 787-8 crash, which tragically claimed 241 lives, the warning highlights a pattern of safety compliance issues.

DGCA Criticizes Lack of Accountability

The order, signed by Assistant Director Himanshu Srivastava, stated:

“Of particular concern is the absence of strict disciplinary measures against key officials directly responsible.”

It also emphasized the need for tighter oversight in flight safety operations.

Air India Responds: Steps Taken for Compliance

In a statement shared with Reuters, Air India confirmed it has implemented the DGCA directive and that the company’s Chief Operations Officer will now directly supervise the Integrated Operations Control Centre to ensure full compliance with aviation norms.

“Air India is committed to ensuring total adherence to safety protocols and standard practices,” the airline said.

Air India’s History of Safety Lapses

Air India, now owned by the Tata Group since its takeover in 2022, is working to rebuild its reputation after years of criticism over service quality and operational inefficiencies.

Government records reveal that in 2024, Indian aviation regulators took action in 23 safety violation cases, with Air India and Air India Express accounting for 12 of those.

The biggest fine of the year was $127,000, issued to Air India for insufficient oxygen supply on some international flights.