Is DGCA Conducting a Detailed Audit of Air India’s Gurugram Base?
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Synopsis
In a significant move after a tragic aviation accident, the DGCA has initiated an extensive audit of Air India's Gurugram base, aiming to bolster safety protocols. This initiative follows the devastating crash of a London-bound Dreamliner, leading to an urgent review of the airline's operations and safety measures.
Key Takeaways
- DGCA launches an extensive audit of Air India's operations in Gurugram.
- The audit follows a tragic crash of a Boeing 787-8.
- An eight-member team has been formed to increase scrutiny.
- All operational aspects, including flight planning and scheduling, will be reviewed.
- Stricter enforcement measures may result from the audit findings.
New Delhi, June 23 (NationPress) The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a comprehensive audit of Air India’s primary operations hub in Gurugram, enhancing its scrutiny of the airline in the wake of the devastating crash of a London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner in Ahmedabad earlier this month.
This tragic incident, which took place shortly after take-off on June 12, resulted in the loss of nearly 270 lives, including 241 passengers and crew, prompting a nationwide reassessment of aviation safety measures.
A source indicated that an eight-member DGCA team has begun its audit at the Tata Group-owned carrier's base.
While standard annual audits usually involve a three-member team, the recent events' severity has led the regulator to enlarge the team and enhance the audit's depth, as per the source.
The audit will examine every facet of the airline's operations, such as flight planning, scheduling, rostering, and the operations of the Integrated Operations Control Centre (IOCC).
Officials have confirmed that this audit is part of a wider special safety inspection being conducted across the Indian aviation industry.
In response to the Ahmedabad disaster, the DGCA had previously announced a Comprehensive Special Audit program targeting all aviation-related entities, including both scheduled and non-scheduled airlines, MROs (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul organizations), flying schools, airport operators, and ground handlers.
This special audit initiative complements the annual surveillance schedule and introduces stricter enforcement measures, which may include the suspension or cancellation of licenses for serious safety infractions.
The audit process is structured in three phases: a 5–7 day pre-audit phase, a subsequent 3–5 day on-site inspection, followed by a post-audit analysis phase lasting 10–15 days.
Moreover, on June 21, the DGCA mandated the removal of three senior officials from the airline's rostering department due to significant lapses, including non-compliant crew pairings and violations of licensing regulations.
The regulator characterized this issue as a systemic failure and emphasized that internal disciplinary actions must be taken within 10 days.
Point of View
It is imperative to acknowledge the gravity of the DGCA's audit of Air India. This move reflects a necessary response to recent tragedies in the aviation sector, aiming to restore public trust and ensure passenger safety across the board.
NationPress
23/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the DGCA's audit of Air India?
The DGCA's audit was initiated following a tragic crash of a London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner in Ahmedabad, which resulted in nearly 270 fatalities.
How many members are on the DGCA audit team?
An eight-member team has been assigned to conduct the audit at Air India’s Gurugram base, expanding from the usual three-member team due to the seriousness of recent events.
What does the audit cover?
The audit will examine various aspects of Air India’s operations, including flight planning, scheduling, rostering, and the functioning of the Integrated Operations Control Centre.
What actions did the DGCA take against Air India officials?
The DGCA directed the immediate removal of three senior officials from Air India's rostering department due to serious lapses, including violations of crew pairing and licensing regulations.
What is the purpose of the Comprehensive Special Audit program?
The Comprehensive Special Audit program aims to enhance safety protocols across all aviation-related entities in India, following the tragic crash and to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
