Air India Faces Regulatory Warning Over Safety Violations on Airbus Fleet

NEW DELHI — Air India has come under scrutiny from India's aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), for operating three Airbus aircraft that had not undergone mandatory checks on critical emergency equipment, specifically the escape slides. The regulatory warning, documented in official reports, indicates that the airline has been slow to address these safety concerns, raising alarms over operational oversight and compliance with airworthiness standards.

The DGCA's investigation revealed that during spot checks in May, it was found that these aircraft had been operating despite overdue inspections. For instance, an Airbus A320 was more than a month overdue for an inspection, which was eventually conducted on May 15. During this period, the aircraft had reportedly flown to international destinations including Dubai, Riyadh, and Jeddah. Similarly, an A319 aircraft used for domestic routes had checks delayed by over three months, and another aircraft's inspection was two days overdue. According to the DGCA, these breaches of safety regulations compromise the airworthiness of the aircraft and violate standard operational protocols.

"The above cases indicate that aircraft were operated with expired or unverified emergency equipment, which is a violation of standard airworthiness and safety requirements," the DGCA's report stated. Air India has been criticized for failing to submit timely compliance responses to the deficiencies raised by the regulator, a situation the DGCA described as indicative of weak procedural control within the airline.

In response to the warning, Air India, which was acquired by the Tata Group in 2022, stated that it is expediting the verification of all maintenance records, including those related to the escape slides, and aims to complete this process promptly. The airline pointed out that one of the issues was identified when an engineer inadvertently deployed an escape slide during maintenance checks.

Vibhuti Singh, a former legal expert at the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, emphasized the seriousness of the escape slide inspections. "Checks on escape slides are a very serious issue. In case of an accident, if they don't open, it can lead to serious injuries," Singh noted.

The DGCA's report also highlighted that the certificates of airworthiness for aircraft that miss mandatory checks are deemed suspended. The warning notices were addressed to Campbell Wilson, Air India's CEO, along with other key personnel, underscoring the gravity of the situation. An Indian aviation lawyer indicated that such breaches typically result in monetary and civil penalties against both the airline and individual executives involved.

The context of this warning is further complicated by a recent tragic incident involving an Air India Boeing 787-8, which crashed, resulting in the loss of nearly all 242 passengers onboard. Although the DGCA clarified that the warning was unrelated to this incident, it certainly adds to the mounting pressure on Air India to enhance its safety protocols and operational standards.

India's junior aviation minister had previously stated in parliament that the DGCA had issued warnings or fines for safety violations on 23 occasions last year, with Air India and its subsidiary, Air India Express, accounting for approximately half of these cases. The largest fine imposed on the airline was $127,000 for insufficient oxygen supplies on a flight bound for San Francisco.

In light of ongoing challenges, including a recent crash and systemic issues identified in the DGCA's report, Air India's reputation continues to be at stake. N. Chandrasekaran, the Chairman of Air India, urged staff to view the recent crash as a catalyst for change, focusing on improving safety and operational excellence.

Additionally, the DGCA's investigation revealed that several Air India aircraft had outdated registration paperwork, although the airline contended that compliance levels were satisfactory for nearly all aircraft. However, the DGCA's findings of inadequate internal oversight highlight significant operational deficiencies within the airline.

As Air India works to rectify these safety violations, the implications for its operational integrity and public reputation remain critical. The ongoing investigation and subsequent reforms could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Air India as it strives to rebuild trust with travelers and regulatory bodies alike.