DGCA flags major safety lapses at Indian airports, gives 7-day deadline for rectification
PTC Web Desk: India's civil aviation regulator has issued a seven-day ultimatum to airport operators nationwide to address critical safety violations found during a recent inspection drive at major airports, including Delhi and Mumbai.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), in a statement, revealed that its teams found “ineffective monitoring and inadequate rectification action on the defects” during a comprehensive special audit initiated in the wake of the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad.
Launched on June 19, the audit covered key operational areas such as flight operations, aircraft airworthiness, ramp safety, air traffic control (ATC), communication and navigation systems, and pre-flight medical procedures. The DGCA's findings point to serious lapses in compliance, maintenance, and operational standards.
Key findings from the DGCA audit
Obsolete safety data: At one airport, obstruction limitation data had not been updated for over three years, despite new construction in surrounding areas. No updated survey was conducted.
Aircraft maintenance issues: A domestic flight was delayed due to worn-out tyres and was cleared only after emergency repairs. In other instances, defect reports generated by onboard systems were not recorded in technical logbooks.
Runway and equipment concerns: One runway was found to have faded centre line markings. At multiple sites, ground handling equipment—such as baggage trolleys and belt loaders—were deemed unfit for use.
Non-compliance in maintenance procedures: Several airports failed to follow work orders during aircraft maintenance. Tool control and line maintenance store protocols were also overlooked.
Critical system failures: Unserviceable components like thrust reversers and flap slat levers were not properly secured. Additionally, a flight simulator used for training did not match the aircraft’s current configuration, and the software was outdated.
The heightened scrutiny follows the deadly crash of Air India Flight AI 171 on June 14 shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, which resulted in 274 fatalities. In the aftermath, the DGCA launched the audit to identify and mitigate risks across the aviation ecosystem.
Last week, the DGCA also initiated disciplinary action against Air India, removing three senior officials for “systemic failures” involving pilot licence validity and crew rest violations. Furthermore, a showcause notice was issued to the airline over breaches in flight duty time limitations during Bengaluru–London flights on May 16 and 17, where crew operated beyond the mandated 10-hour limit.
Seven-day deadline for compliance
All airport operators have been instructed to implement corrective measures within seven days. Failure to comply may result in stringent regulatory actions, including suspension of operations or financial penalties.
- With inputs from agencies
