What Safety Violations Did DGCA Find in Turkish Airlines?
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Synopsis
The DGCA's alarming findings on Turkish Airlines' safety practices raise critical concerns about air travel safety in India. With the airline facing multiple violations, the aviation watchdog's decisive actions underscore the importance of compliance in aviation. Discover what these violations entail and the implications for Turkish Airlines.
Key Takeaways
- Multiple safety violations identified in Turkish Airlines' operations.
- Inspections conducted at four major Indian airports.
- Transport of dangerous goods without necessary permissions.
- Lack of proper authorization for ground staff activities.
- Follow-up inspections to ensure compliance.
New Delhi, June 4 (NationPress) The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has identified a series of serious safety violations in the operations of Turkish Airlines during unexpected inspections conducted from May 29 to June 2 at four major Indian airports—Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru, the agency disclosed on Wednesday.
In response to these findings, the DGCA has mandated that Turkish Airlines must achieve full compliance with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices, along with the regulations set forth by Indian civil aviation authorities.
The regulatory body issued a caution that follow-up inspections will be performed to ensure continuous adherence and urged the airline to swiftly rectify the noted issues.
During cargo inspections, it was discovered that Turkish Airlines transported hazardous materials, including explosives, without the necessary permissions from the DGCA. The required documentation was either absent or inadequate.
According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, “The cargo included Dangerous Goods for which DGCA permission is essential for the transport of Explosives to/from India. This documentation was neither attached nor referenced in the Dangerous Goods Declaration.”
At Bengaluru, the marshaller responsible for ground operations was found to be lacking proper authorization and a valid competency card.
“When the aircraft arrived, the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) was not present, and a technician executed the arrival procedures instead. M/s Airworks is the officially authorized engineering service provider for Turkish Airlines,” stated the DGCA.
Furthermore, the aviation authority noted the absence of a Service Level Agreement (SLA) between Turkish Airlines and its Ground Handling Agent (GHA).
“Equipment such as ladders, step ladders, trolleys, and Ground Power Units (GPUs) were not properly monitored and accounted for at Hyderabad and Bengaluru, where Globe Ground India was providing services without an official handover from Celebi,” it added.
The DGCA reaffirms its steadfast commitment to ensuring the safety and regulatory compliance of all foreign operators within Indian airspace.
“Turkish Airlines has been instructed to address these findings immediately and ensure full adherence to ICAO Standards and DGCA regulations. Further follow-up inspections will be conducted as needed to maintain ongoing safety oversight,” it noted.
Point of View
It is imperative for us to maintain a vigilant stance on aviation safety. The recent violations identified by the DGCA highlight the necessity for all airlines, including foreign operators, to operate within the stringent safety regulations established for the well-being of passengers and crew. It is crucial that Turkish Airlines addresses these shortcomings promptly.
NationPress
22/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the main safety violations found in Turkish Airlines?
The DGCA found that Turkish Airlines was transporting dangerous goods without required permissions, lacked proper authorization for ground staff, and did not have a Service Level Agreement with its Ground Handling Agent.
What actions will the DGCA take following these findings?
The DGCA will conduct follow-up inspections to ensure compliance and has instructed Turkish Airlines to rectify the identified issues immediately.
Why is the compliance with ICAO Standards important?
Compliance with ICAO Standards is crucial for ensuring the safety of air travel, protecting passengers, crew, and maintaining the integrity of aviation operations.
