In a landmark move, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) conducted a comprehensive, cross-sector audit across India’s aviation ecosystem — revealing multiple serious safety lapses and systemic failures.
The sweeping inspection, carried out after the deadly Air India AI171 crash that killed over 270 people on June 12, covered key hubs like Delhi and Mumbai, involving two expert teams from DGCA.
Aircraft and Maintenance Failures Raise Concerns
DGCA found repeated technical faults in the same aircraft, worn tyres delaying scheduled flights, and unrecorded safety system alerts — a worrying sign of ineffective monitoring. Key lapses included:
- Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) not following mandatory work orders
- Unlocked thrust reversers and flap slat levers
- Technical issues ignored in aircraft logbooks
- Improperly secured life vests and damaged winglet tape
Such oversights jeopardise passenger safety and operational integrity.
Airports and Equipment Also Under Fire
Runways and ground-handling operations did not escape scrutiny:
- Faded runway markings, non-functional taxiway lights
- Outdated obstacle data for airport surroundings
- Unserviceable ground equipment like baggage trolleys
- Vehicles operating in restricted zones without speed controls
Some vehicles were pulled from duty, and driver permits were suspended.
Simulators and Training Facilities Found Inadequate
Shockingly, a simulator used for training was running outdated software and did not match the aircraft it was meant to emulate — exposing severe gaps in pilot preparedness.
Corrective Actions and New Safety Regime
Operators have been given seven days to file corrective action plans. The DGCA clarified that these audits mark a “paradigm shift” in India’s safety oversight, moving from annual checklists to integrated, incident-triggered inspections.
Failing to comply could lead to operational bans, penalties, or licence suspension. This ongoing audit cycle is now expected to become a permanent fixture, aimed at closing safety loopholes across airlines, airports, MROs, and training institutes.
