DGCA Orders Air India to Remove Three Officials Immediately

DGCA Orders Air India to Remove Three Officials Immediately

Regulatory Action Following Safety Violations

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has mandated the immediate removal of three senior Air India officials, including a key executive in the flight operations department, due to “systemic failures” and “multiple violations” concerning pilot licensing and rest requirements. The directive, issued on June 20 and reviewed by The Hindu, requires Air India to initiate prompt internal disciplinary proceedings against the individuals implicated.

Although the DGCA has not released an official public statement, Air India has confirmed compliance with the regulator’s order. The DGCA has further cautioned that any future violations identified during audits could lead to stringent penalties, including suspension of licenses or revocation of the airline’s operating permit.

This regulatory intervention follows intensified scrutiny of Air India in the aftermath of the recent crash of Flight 171 in Ahmedabad. The incident has prompted rigorous safety inspections of the airline’s Boeing 787 fleet, resulting in flight delays, cancellations, and heightened passenger concerns. The airline now confronts potential financial liabilities, including compensation claims and increased operational expenses linked to the crash. Industry analysts suggest that rival carriers may exploit Air India’s difficulties to attract passengers seeking more dependable service, potentially eroding Air India’s market share. The wider Indian aviation sector is also preparing for enhanced regulatory oversight, which could influence investor confidence and future industry growth.

Details of Violations and Disciplinary Measures

The DGCA’s order identifies significant lapses in compliance with flight crew licensing requirements, insufficient monitoring of mandatory rest periods, and failures to ensure pilots meet recency standards, such as maintaining a minimum number of takeoffs and landings within designated timeframes. The directive specifically criticizes the absence of rigorous disciplinary action against those responsible for these shortcomings.

The officials named for removal include Air India’s Divisional Vice President of the Integrated Operations Control Centre (IOCC), an executive responsible for crew scheduling, and another overseeing planning within the division. In response, Air India announced that Chief Operations Officer Basil Kwauk, formerly of Singapore Airlines, will assume direct oversight of the IOCC. The IOCC functions as the airline’s operational hub, managing flight operations, crew scheduling, and regulatory compliance.

Software Transition Reveals Compliance Gaps

The violations surfaced during Air India’s transition to a new crew scheduling software in May 2024, a change voluntarily disclosed by the airline. An internal audit conducted in February 2025 uncovered multiple compliance deficiencies, which were promptly reported to senior management and the DGCA. The regulator subsequently granted Air India a three-month period to rectify these issues.

In addition, the DGCA issued a separate showcause notice to Air India for exceeding the 10-hour flight time limit for crew on flights between Bengaluru and London on May 16 and 17.

As Air India endeavors to resolve these regulatory challenges, the airline faces escalating operational and reputational pressures, with potential ramifications extending across the Indian aviation industry.