The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has sent multiple show cause notices to Air India for breaching duty norms, training regulations, and operational procedures.
These notices, issued on July 23, 2025, follow voluntary disclosures by the airline last month. They point to possible safety lapses that could impact both crew welfare and passenger safety.
Why DGCA Issued Show Cause Notices
According to reports confirmed by both the DGCA and Air India, the notices stem from potential violations involving:
- Cabin crew rest and duty time violations
- Inadequate or improper crew training
- Operational irregularities on specific international flights
Three of the four notices are based on disclosures Air India made on June 20, 2025. The airline admitted potential breaches related to ultra-long-haul flights on April 27, April 28, and May 2, 2025. These included deviations from crew duty and rest rules mandated by DGCA.
One notice addresses weekly rest violations and flight duty period concerns for operations conducted on June 24, 2024, and June 13, 2025.
Another notice refers to crew training lapses on flights between:
- April 10–11, 2024
- February 16–May 19, 2024
- December 1, 2024
These incidents raise questions about the consistency and quality of cabin crew preparedness, a vital aspect of aviation safety.
Air India Responds to DGCA Action
In its official statement, Air India confirmed it had received the notices. A spokesperson stated,
“Air India acknowledges receipt of these notices from the regulator, which relate to certain voluntary disclosures made over the past year. A detailed response will be submitted within the stipulated period. Ensuring the safety of our crew and passengers remains our unwavering commitment.”
This response signals that the airline is cooperating with authorities. However, the recurrence of these violations points to internal compliance gaps that need urgent attention.
Why This Matters: Aviation Safety in India
The DGCA’s proactive action reflects a broader push to uphold strict aviation safety standards in India. Crew fatigue and improper training are known to cause critical incidents globally. Regulatory compliance is essential to avoid potential disasters.
India’s civil aviation sector has grown rapidly in the past decade, and airlines are under pressure to maintain high operational efficiency. But safety cannot be compromised for speed or cost-saving.
This move also aligns with DGCA’s increased oversight in 2025, following global scrutiny over airline safety protocols and training regimes.
Looking Ahead: Industry Impact
The show cause notices may lead to fines or other penalties if Air India fails to provide a satisfactory explanation. More importantly, it sets a precedent for other Indian airlines to ensure compliance with crew duty norms and training regulations.
Passengers are increasingly aware of airline safety records, and repeated violations could impact Air India’s brand trust and loyalty, especially among international flyers.
DGCA’s Recent Crackdowns
This isn’t the first time DGCA has taken strict action. In 2024, the regulator grounded several pilots across airlines for duty hour violations and incorrect logbook entries. The aviation watchdog has emphasized transparency and regular audits as key tools in its oversight strategy.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Airlines
The DGCA’s notices to Air India serve as a reminder that voluntary disclosures must be matched with swift corrective action. For the aviation industry to thrive, crew safety, training, and regulatory compliance must remain non-negotiable priorities.
While Air India’s proactive disclosure is commendable, the lapses themselves are serious. The airline’s response and the DGCA’s next steps will be closely watched by industry stakeholders and flyers alike.