DGCA cracks down on Air India officials over crew scheduling; orders removal of three officials
PTC Web Desk: India's aviation safety regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has directed Air India to remove three senior officials, including a divisional vice president, from all roles related to crew scheduling and rostering. The move comes as part of a strong order issued by the DGCA on June 20, calling for immediate disciplinary action against the officials for lapses in operational oversight.
According to sources, the DGCA has also instructed the Tata Group-owned airline to begin internal disciplinary proceedings without delay. The regulator’s decision underscores growing concerns around procedural irregularities and accountability within Air India's crew management system.
This development comes at a time when Air India is already under intense scrutiny following the tragic Ahmedabad to London flight incident, which reportedly resulted in over 250 fatalities. The disaster has sent shockwaves across the aviation industry and raised critical questions about flight safety standards and operational practices at one of India's leading carriers.
In response to the growing public and regulatory pressure, Air India has grounded several of its aircraft under the guise of "advanced precautionary checks." While the airline maintains that these measures are preventive in nature, industry insiders suggest that the steps point to deeper structural and safety concerns.
The back-to-back incidents — from crew management failures to a tragic international flight accident — have put Air India's leadership and safety compliance under the scanner. With DGCA now tightening its oversight, the Tata Group airline is facing one of its most serious challenges in recent years.
- With inputs from agencies
