Why Did India's Aviation Regulator Issue a Notice to Air India Crew?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Air India is under scrutiny as India's aviation regulator issues a show-cause notice to the airline's cockpit crew over safety lapses during flights to Tokyo. The notice demands a response within two weeks, highlighting ongoing compliance issues that could have serious implications for passenger safety.
Key Takeaways
- DGCA issues notice to Air India over safety lapses.
- Air India must respond within two weeks.
- The airline's operations have faced repeated technical issues.
- Investigation underway following a recent engine shutdown incident.
- Safety compliance is crucial for passenger protection.
New Delhi, Jan 1 (NationPress) The aviation authority of India has served a show-cause notice to the cockpit crew of Air India for conducting multiple flights between Delhi and Tokyo while being aware of safety and compliance failures. The airline is required to respond to this notice within two weeks.
The notice from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) concerns the operation of flight AI-357 from Delhi to Tokyo and flight AI-358 from Tokyo to Delhi.
According to the DGCA's notice, the Minimum Equipment List (MEL) for the aircraft was not compatible.
Air India has yet to respond to the DGCA’s communication. The notice indicated that this was not a singular occurrence, as similar issues have previously been reported on other routes.
The DGCA has also requested that the pilots justify why they should not face action under the Aircraft Rules and Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR).
The aviation regulator's notice was prompted by the operation of a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner which has experienced repeated technical issues.
Last month, after an engine shutdown on a flight from Delhi to Mumbai, the DGCA announced an investigation. The Mumbai-bound Air India B777-300ER aircraft was forced to return to Delhi shortly after takeoff due to a technical fault. Fortunately, the aircraft landed safely.
The DGCA stated, “The AIC 887 (Delhi-Mumbai) was involved in an air turnback as the flight crew noticed low engine oil pressure on Engine No. 2 (right-hand engine) during flap retraction post-takeoff.”
Shortly after takeoff, the engine oil pressure fell to zero. Following established protocols, the crew shut down the No. 2 engine and successfully landed the aircraft back in Delhi.
The DGCA remarked that “inspections and rectifications are currently underway.”
“The investigation will be conducted by the Permanent Investigation Board of the airline under the oversight of the Director of Air Safety (NR), DGCA,” it added.
Point of View
It is essential to highlight the importance of maintaining stringent safety standards in aviation. The DGCA's actions reflect the necessity for accountability in the airline industry, ensuring that passenger safety is prioritized above all else.
NationPress
08/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason for the DGCA's notice to Air India?
The DGCA issued a show-cause notice to Air India for operating flights between Delhi and Tokyo despite known safety and compliance issues.
What is the deadline for Air India to respond to the notice?
Air India has been given a deadline of two weeks to respond to the DGCA's notice.
What aircraft were involved in the safety issues?
The notice pertains to the operations of flight AI-357 and AI-358, utilizing a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.
What past incident prompted the DGCA to investigate Air India's operations?
An engine shutdown incident on a Delhi-Mumbai flight last month led the DGCA to probe Air India's operational safety.
What could be the consequences for the pilots involved?
The DGCA has requested the pilots explain why action should not be taken against them under the Aircraft Rules and Civil Aviation Requirements.
