DGCA reviews Air India operations, flags maintenance delays and airspace impact

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) held a high-level meeting with senior officials from Air India and Air India Express to assess the airlines’ operational performance and compliance with safety and passenger service regulations. The meeting took place on Tuesday as both carriers manage over 1,000 flights daily across domestic and international routes.

Key Concerns and Recommendations

During the discussion, the DGCA raised concerns over maintenance-related delays and urged Air India to improve coordination among engineering, operations, and ground handling teams. The airline was also advised to ensure adequate spare parts availability to reduce passenger disruptions and strictly comply with regulations.

The impact of recent airspace restrictions, especially over Iranian airspace, was also reviewed. These closures have caused flight diversions, delays, and cancellations. The DGCA instructed the airlines to maintain timely communication with passengers and crew and to adopt alternate routing to minimize disruptions.

The regulator reminded operators of their obligations under Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) Section 3 Series M Parts IV & V, emphasizing proactive passenger information and facilitation regarding delays and cancellations.

Surveillance of Air India’s Boeing 787 fleet revealed no major safety concerns, with aircraft and maintenance systems found compliant with safety standards.

Regarding the “Enhanced Safety Inspection” of Air India’s entire B787-8/9 fleet, comprising 33 aircraft, DGCA reported that 24 planes have successfully completed the inspection as of June 17, 2025. Four aircraft are undergoing major maintenance checks, with others scheduled for completion soon. Two planes grounded in Delhi will be inspected before returning to service.

The regulator also recommended implementing a real-time defect reporting system to improve operational decision-making and reduce disruptions.

DGCA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring passenger safety, operational reliability, and regulatory compliance and will continue to monitor scheduled operators closely.