Air India Under Fire: DGCA Removes Senior Officials, Warns of License Suspension Over Flight Duty Violations

In a stern move that signals heightened regulatory oversight in India’s civil aviation sector, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered the removal of three senior Air India officials from duty. The decision follows repeated violations of pilot flight duty time limitations, raising serious concerns over safety compliance and internal accountability at the Tata Group-owned airline.

DGCA Cracks Down on Crew Scheduling Lapses

The controversy erupted after DGCA's audit of Air India’s long-haul operations revealed that two international flights—AI133 from Bengaluru to London on May 16 and 17—had pilots exceeding the permissible flight duty period of 10 hours. These violations are in direct breach of Section 7, Series J, Part III of the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR), which governs crew duty hours to prevent fatigue and ensure passenger safety.

These issues came to light during the post-transition audit from the ARMS to the CAE Flight and Crew Management System. | India Today

The DGCA described these incidents as “serious and repeated violations,” suggesting systemic lapses in operational oversight. It further noted that such failures reflect poor internal coordination and lack of discipline within Air India’s scheduling protocols.

Senior Officials Removed from Critical Roles

Following the revelations, the DGCA ordered the removal of three key officials involved in crew rostering: Choorah Singh (Divisional Vice President), Pinky Mittal (Chief Manager, Crew Scheduling), and Payal Arora (Crew Planning). These individuals have been stripped of any responsibility related to crew management with immediate effect.

Moreover, the regulator has directed Air India to initiate internal disciplinary proceedings against the removed officials. The airline has since reassigned its Chief Operations Officer to oversee the Integrated Operations Control Centre (IOCC), ensuring direct supervision and regulatory compliance in scheduling functions.

Air India CEO Served Show-Cause Notice

In a move that has intensified scrutiny, the DGCA has also issued a show-cause notice to Air India CEO Campbell Wilson. The notice demands an explanation within seven days as to why enforcement action should not be initiated against the airline for its operational lapses. The regulator has warned that failure to respond adequately could lead to penalties ranging from monetary fines to the suspension—or even cancellation—of the airline’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC).

This show-cause notice is not just a procedural formality—it underlines the DGCA’s concern over Air India’s internal checks and its ability to adhere to safety regulations that are fundamental to aviation operations.

Broader Safety Concerns Surrounding Air India

The latest action against Air India comes at a time when the airline is already under intense scrutiny. Earlier this month, the airline faced questions regarding its continued operation of Airbus aircraft despite delays in conducting mandatory checks on emergency escape slides. The DGCA had flagged these concerns in a separate communication, prompting widespread criticism over the airline’s maintenance and safety culture.

Compounding these issues is the recent fatal crash of Air India Flight AI171 near Ahmedabad on June 12, which claimed more than 240 lives. Although DGCA officials have clarified that the crew scheduling violations are not connected to the crash investigation, the overall atmosphere has shifted toward heightened regulatory vigilance.

Internal Audit and Industry Repercussions

As part of its corrective measures, the DGCA has asked Air India to submit a complete record of its internal audits, inspections, and crew scheduling records dating back to 2024. This includes data from multiple departments such as flight operations, ramp handling, cabin services, and engineering.

The situation has sent ripples across India’s aviation sector, serving as a reminder to other carriers that the regulator is closely monitoring not only technical compliance but also the operational integrity of airline management systems.

Conclusion: A Crucial Moment for Air India’s Reputation and Tata’s Legacy

The DGCA’s actions mark a watershed moment for Air India. For an airline that has been striving to rebuild its legacy under the Tata Group after years of state-run decline, these events represent a significant test. Regulatory compliance, crew welfare, and passenger safety are no longer internal issues—they are matters of national concern and international scrutiny.

With the threat of license suspension looming and the CEO under formal notice, Air India must act decisively to restore faith in its operations. Whether this episode becomes a turning point or a deeper crisis will depend on how swiftly and transparently the airline reforms its internal systems and regains the trust of regulators, passengers, and aviation authorities.

(Sources: Hindustan Times, NDTV, India Today)