New Delhi’s aviation watchdog has slapped Air India with a hefty ₹1 crore penalty for a shocking safety lapse. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) found that the airline operated an Airbus A320 on eight flights without the mandatory Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC). This critical document ensures aircraft meet stringent safety standards, and flying without it is deemed a grave violation.
The违规 flights occurred between November 24 and 25 last year, connecting key cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. DGCA’s order squarely blames Air India’s top management for this ‘reckless’ oversight, highlighting a dangerous disregard for protocols that protect passengers.
An ARC is no mere formality—it’s an annual certification issued only after rigorous inspections. Operating without it exposes everyone on board to unacceptable risks, from mechanical failures to undetected faults. Sources reveal DGCA’s deep concern over the carrier’s nonchalant attitude toward compliance.
Air India responded swiftly, confirming receipt of the notice. A spokesperson emphasized that the issue stemmed from a voluntarily reported incident in 2025, with all deficiencies rectified and authorities informed. ‘We remain committed to the highest standards of operational reliability and safety,’ the statement read.
This penalty comes at a turbulent time for Air India. Still reeling from last June’s Ahmedabad crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the airline struggles with financial recovery post-privatization under Tata Group. Reports indicate a CEO shake-up looms, with incumbent Campbell Wilson reportedly uninterested in extending beyond 2027.
Tata Chairman N. Chandrasekaran has reportedly initiated talks with candidates boasting major airline experience. The push for change stems from missed break-even targets by March 31, exacerbated by the Ahmedabad tragedy and Pakistan’s airspace closure, which has inflated route costs and hammered profitability.
As Air India navigates these headwinds, this fine serves as a stark reminder: safety cannot be compromised. Regulators vow stricter oversight, while passengers demand accountability from an airline aiming for revival.