India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation into Air India after the airline operated eight commercial flights with an aircraft lacking a valid airworthiness certificate—an annual document that confirms compliance with safety standards. Authorities confirmed the case involves an Airbus A320, according to Reuters.
An Incident Adding Pressure to an Already Challenging Context
The episode comes at a difficult time for the carrier. Air India is still dealing with the aftermath of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner accident in June that claimed 260 lives, as well as financial losses linked to Pakistan’s closure of its airspace to Indian airlines. The DGCA has also issued multiple warnings this year over operational shortcomings.
The regulator confirmed that the aircraft has been grounded and that staff involved were temporarily removed from duty. Air India stated it reported the issue on November 26 and suspended those responsible while conducting an internal review. The airline described the incident as regrettable.
Previous Audits Had Already Flagged Issues
In July, the DGCA issued a warning regarding crew fatigue management and training processes. Its annual audit also identified 51 deficiencies, including inadequate pilot training, use of unapproved simulators, and poor crew scheduling, according to a government report.
How the Irregularity Occurred
The certificate expired while the aircraft was grounded for an engine replacement. After the intervention, the plane returned to commercial service without the renewed authorization. The DGCA noted that Air India has the authority to issue these certificates, but decided to personally grant the initial approvals for Vistara aircraft following last year’s merger.
The regulator has ordered the airline to conduct a comprehensive review of its systems to identify weaknesses and implement urgent corrective measures. According to the DGCA, an airworthiness certificate is only issued after reviewing the aircraft’s maintenance history, physical condition, and regulatory compliance.
A Call to Reinforce Operational Safety
The case increases pressure on the airline at a time when safety is once again at the center of India’s aviation debate. Regulators insist on clear corrective actions, while Air India seeks to restore confidence after a year marked by investigations, financial losses, and growing scrutiny.
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