DGCA Reviews Safety and Operational Standards with Air India and Air India Express
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) conducted a high-level meeting with senior executives from Air India and Air India Express to evaluate the airlines' safety protocols, operational readiness, and passenger service standards. This initiative comes in response to recent incidents that have underscored the necessity for improved coordination and infrastructure within India's aviation industry.
Operating more than 1,000 flights daily, both airlines have encountered increased scrutiny due to maintenance issues, flight cancellations, and delays related to airspace. During the meeting, the DGCA highlighted seven key areas of focus, which include regulatory compliance, fleet reliability, defect reporting, availability of spare parts, and timely communication with passengers.
A significant topic of discussion was the ongoing airspace restrictions over Iran, which have caused disruptions to flight routes connecting India with major destinations in Europe and North America. Airlines were advised to consider alternative routing options through Central Asia or the Mediterranean and to ensure proactive communication with both passengers and crew members.
The status of Air India's Boeing 787 fleet was also reviewed during the meeting. Out of 33 aircraft, 24 have successfully passed recent safety inspections. Two additional aircraft were expected to clear inspections by the end of the day, with another slated for completion by tomorrow. Four aircraft are currently undergoing major maintenance, while two remain grounded in Delhi awaiting clearance. These intensified inspections followed a fatal crash in Ahmedabad earlier this month.
The DGCA officials emphasized the importance of enhanced coordination between the engineering, ground handling, and operations departments to minimize disruptions and delays. They also stressed the necessity of a robust, real-time defect reporting system to improve operational decisions and ensure compliance with Civil Aviation Requirements.
This meeting highlights the DGCA's dedication to strengthening aviation safety, enhancing public confidence, and ensuring reliable service amid the evolving needs of both domestic and international air travel.
