New Delhi: In an effort to maintain aviation safety standards, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken enforcement action against Air India due to a failure in routine aircraft maintenance. This action comes after an audit by the regulator revealed that the inspection of an emergency slide on one of the airline’s planes was overdue. Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, confirmed this development on Monday in a written response. He mentioned that during a recent audit of Air India’s operations, the DGCA discovered the overdue inspection, which led the regulator to implement corrective measures.

“DGCA immediately grounded the aircraft until the necessary rectification was completed. DGCA has initiated enforcement action against Air India and the individuals responsible in accordance with the Enforcement Policy and Procedure Manual of DGCA,” he informed the Rajya Sabha. However, specific details regarding when the audit took place and when the enforcement action was initiated were not provided.

MP questions DGCA accountability

The minister’s response addressed DMK member Tiruchi Siva’s question about whether the government is aware that aircraft operated by Air India, in the weeks leading up to the crash of flight AI 171 in June, were permitted to operate with overdue emergency slide inspections, which is a breach of mandatory safety regulations. The member also inquired if accountability has been established for DGCA regarding its regulatory oversight failure.

Recently, Air India has faced scrutiny from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for several lapses. On June 12, Air India’s Boeing 787-8 aircraft operating flight AI 171, which was headed to London Gatwick, crashed into a building shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad, resulting in the deaths of 260 individuals.

The DGCA emphasizes the importance of safety compliance measures.

Mohol stated that the DGCA guarantees that airlines adhere to all safety and maintenance standards by implementing various mechanisms, including surveillance, spot checks, and night inspections of airlines and their personnel. “In the event of a violation, the DGCA enforces actions as outlined in the Enforcement Policy and Procedure Manual. These enforcement actions may include warnings, suspensions, cancellations, and the imposition of financial penalties on the airlines or personnel involved. The DGCA officials are thoroughly trained to carry out oversight and enforcement duties,” the minister remarked.