India's Aviation Safety Record Under Scrutiny Following Air India Crash

In the aftermath of the tragic Air India crash on June 12, 2025, which resulted in the loss of at least 270 lives, concerns regarding the safety of India's aviation sector have intensified. Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, the chief of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the country’s air safety regulator, defended India's aviation safety record in an exclusive interview with the BBC. Kidwai emphasized that despite the recent incident, India's air travel remains statistically safer compared to global averages, as indicated by data from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

According to Kidwai, India has consistently performed better than the world average in terms of aviation safety metrics, with only two years from 2010 to 2024 witnessing rates exceeding global averages due to major accidents. The DGCA reports that the Air India crash was the third serious aviation incident in the country within the last 15 years, following the Air India Express Flight 1344 crash in Kozhikode in August 2020 and the Mangalore flight crash in May 2010.

The recent surge in passenger air traffic, which has more than doubled since 2014-15, now places India as the third-largest aviation market globally. The number of commercial aircraft has increased from around 400 a decade ago to approximately 850 today, with expectations to surpass 2,000 by the end of the decade. However, this rapid growth raises questions about the regulatory oversight and maintenance practices within the industry.

In light of the recent crash and other alarming incidents, including severe turbulence faced by an IndiGo flight and ongoing issues with maintenance practices at SpiceJet, Kidwai acknowledged the growing concerns surrounding aviation safety. Reports have surfaced indicating that the DGCA had to intervene with SpiceJet after a British aviation firm raised alarms about premature propeller failures on their aircraft. The DGCA's audit revealed further deficiencies within the airline, prompting necessary corrective actions.

Despite these challenges, Kidwai asserts that the overall reporting of technical faults has increased, indicating a positive trend towards transparency and accountability in the industry. Since 2020, Indian domestic carriers have reported nearly 2,500 technical faults, with IndiGo leading the numbers.

Moreover, the DGCA has revised its guidelines for pilots, particularly regarding flying in turbulent conditions, to enhance safety protocols and prevent future incidents. Kidwai noted that the regulator is mandated to adapt to the increasing operational demands and ensure adequate turnaround times for aircraft maintenance checks.

As the aviation sector grapples with these pressing issues, the DGCA remains committed to improving safety standards. While some fear that the recent crash may tarnish the reputation of air travel in India, data suggests a negligible impact on passenger traffic, with a temporary dip observed following the incident. Kidwai emphasized that public apprehension is natural after such tragedies, but it tends to subside as clarity and understanding emerge over time.

In conclusion, while India’s aviation safety record boasts commendable statistics, the recent incidents underscore the urgent need for heightened regulatory scrutiny and rigorous maintenance protocols to ensure passenger safety in an ever-expanding aviation market. As the DGCA continues to enforce stricter regulations, the focus remains on fostering a culture of safety and accountability within the industry to avoid future tragedies.