DGCA Meets with AI Leadership to Discuss Regulatory Issues

DGCA Engages Air India Leadership Amid Heightened Regulatory Scrutiny

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) held a high-level virtual meeting on Tuesday with senior executives from Air India, intensifying its investigation into the fatal crash of flight AI171 in Ahmedabad last week. Chaired by DGCA chief Fazi Ahmed Kidwai, the session included Air India CEO Campbell Wilson, director of flight operations Captain Pankul Mathur, Air India Express CEO Aloke Singh, and other key officials responsible for operational and safety compliance.

Sources close to the matter indicate that these discussions will continue as the DGCA intensifies its examination of internal processes, oversight deficiencies, and regulatory adherence within Air India. The regulator is focusing particularly on pilot preparedness, compliance with safety protocols, and the effectiveness of the airline’s risk management systems. This increased scrutiny coincides with broader challenges facing the aviation sector, including concerns over data privacy and the integration of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into operational workflows. Industry leaders and legal advisors are increasingly alert to the risks posed by AI implementation, prompting a reassessment of internal controls and compliance frameworks across the sector.

Boeing’s Involvement and Regulatory Demands

In a related development, Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, met with Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran at Air India’s Gurugram headquarters on Monday. Although the details of their discussion remain confidential, it is understood that the AI171 crash and Boeing’s ongoing support for the investigation were central topics. A Boeing spokesperson declined to comment on specifics but reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting the investigation and expressed condolences to those affected by the tragedy.

The DGCA has formally requested comprehensive training records for the pilots and dispatcher involved in the ill-fated flight. This includes training logs, certifications, and documentation of compliance, as well as any corrective actions taken following recent DGCA audits. Investigators are expected to closely examine the dispatcher’s role in pre-flight planning and risk assessment, a critical responsibility given that DGCA-certified dispatchers coordinate flight paths, evaluate weather and airspace conditions, and maintain real-time communication with pilots.

While the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, operating under the civil aviation ministry, leads the official crash investigation, the DGCA’s regulatory actions underscore a broader sense of urgency among aviation oversight bodies. This heightened regulatory environment is also influencing market dynamics, with competitors reportedly strengthening internal controls and legal frameworks to mitigate AI-related risks and protect intellectual property. Airlines and technology providers are preparing for potential litigation and increased compliance demands as they navigate this evolving landscape.

Nationwide Directive to Flying Schools

In a parallel initiative, the DGCA has issued a directive to flying schools across the country, calling for intensified scrutiny of training compliance, operational readiness, and emergency preparedness. A memo dated June 16 instructed instructors to enforce strict adherence to procedural norms and warned that audits and surveillance activities will be increased to ensure licensing standards and safety protocols are rigorously upheld.