DGCA Identifies Safety Lapses and Ineffective Monitoring at Airports in AI 171 Crash Investigation

DGCA Identifies Safety Lapses and Ineffective Monitoring at Airports in AI 171 Crash Investigation

Safety Audit Reveals Critical Deficiencies Across Major Airports

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has uncovered significant safety lapses and ineffective oversight at several of India’s principal airports following a thorough safety audit initiated in the wake of the Air India Flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad on June 12. The tragic accident, which resulted in the loss of 270 lives, has intensified scrutiny of the country’s aviation sector, raising pressing concerns about operational standards and regulatory enforcement amid India’s ambitions to expand its aviation industry.

Led by senior officials, DGCA teams conducted unannounced inspections at key airports including Delhi and Mumbai. These inspections targeted essential operational areas such as flight operations, aircraft airworthiness, ramp safety, air traffic control, navigation systems, and pre-flight medical examinations. Conducted during night and early morning hours to capture routine conditions, the audits revealed persistent maintenance shortcomings and notable gaps in ongoing monitoring practices.

Specific Findings and Regulatory Response

Among the deficiencies identified, the DGCA reported multiple aircraft exhibiting repeated defects, signaling lapses in maintenance protocols. In one case, a domestic flight experienced delays after inspectors detected excessively worn tyres; the aircraft was permitted to depart only after urgent repairs were completed. Additionally, faded centre line markings on a runway were observed, posing potential hazards during critical phases of takeoff and landing. The audit also uncovered discrepancies in pilot training equipment, with a flight simulator found to be misaligned with the actual aircraft configuration and operating on outdated software, thereby calling into question the adequacy of pilot preparedness.

While the DGCA refrained from publicly naming specific airlines or entities implicated in these findings, it confirmed that all identified deficiencies have been formally communicated to the responsible parties. The regulator has mandated corrective actions to be implemented within a seven-day timeframe.

Broader Implications for Indian Aviation

The Air India 171 crash is anticipated to have wide-ranging consequences not only for Air India and aircraft manufacturer Boeing but also for the broader Indian aviation sector. Industry experts caution that the incident may further tighten conditions in the aviation reinsurance market, compounding challenges faced by India’s already loss-making aviation insurance industry.

Despite these concerns, the DGCA reported that comprehensive inspections of Air India’s Boeing 787 fleet have, to date, revealed no major safety issues, although further evaluations remain underway. The outcomes of these investigations are viewed as pivotal for Air India’s ongoing efforts to revitalize its operations and for India’s broader aspirations to establish itself as a global aviation hub.

The regulator reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing stringent safety standards and pledged sustained oversight to address systemic weaknesses brought to light by the recent tragedy.