Winning Bizness Desk
Mumbai. India’s civil aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has imposed a penalty of 1.10 lakh dollars, around Rs 1 crore, on Air India for operating an aircraft without a valid Airworthiness Review Certificate. The action relates to an Airbus A320 Neo that was flown eight times on commercial sectors despite its mandatory fitness clearance having expired. In a confidential order, the regulator observed that such lapses further dent public confidence in the country’s second largest airline.
Certificate expired before eight revenue flights
According to PTI, the matter dates back to November 26, 2025, when Air India itself informed the DGCA about the lapse. The airline disclosed that the Airworthiness Review Certificate of one of its Airbus A320 Neo aircraft had expired. Despite this, the aircraft was deployed on November 24 and 25 and operated eight revenue sectors.
Key facts of the case include:
- Aircraft type: Airbus A320 Neo
- Certificate involved: Airworthiness Review Certificate
- Flights operated: Eight commercial sectors
- Dates of operation: November 24 and 25, 2025
Following the disclosure, the DGCA initiated a probe on December 2. After completing the investigation, the regulator decided to levy the financial penalty.
Regulator flags impact on public trust
In its order, the DGCA noted that operating an aircraft without valid airworthiness certification is a serious regulatory breach. Such certification confirms that the aircraft is fit to fly and meets prescribed safety standards. The regulator underlined that safety compliance is non-negotiable and any deviation undermines passenger trust.
Officials pointed out that the lapse was not detected by the regulator but was reported by the airline itself. However, voluntary disclosure did not exempt the carrier from accountability. The DGCA has in recent months adopted a stricter stance on safety oversight across airlines.
Air India says deficiencies rectified
After reports of the fine surfaced, Air India issued an official statement acknowledging receipt of the DGCA order. The airline said the case relates to an incident it had voluntarily reported to the authority in 2025. It added that an internal review was conducted and all identified shortcomings were fully addressed.
The airline maintained that corrective measures were implemented and a compliance report was submitted to the regulator. Air India did not elaborate on whether internal disciplinary action was taken in connection with the lapse.
Regulatory scrutiny under Tata ownership
Since the Tata Group took over Air India, the airline has been attempting to overhaul operations and improve service standards. At the same time, several regulatory violations have drawn scrutiny from the DGCA. Previous penalties have been imposed over:
- Gaps in pilot training
- Issues related to crew behaviour
- Technical deficiencies in operations
Fines in earlier instances have ranged from lakhs to crores of rupees. The regulator has repeatedly emphasised that safety norms must be strictly followed, irrespective of ownership changes or restructuring plans.
Shadow of Ahmedabad crash looms
The latest penalty comes against the backdrop of heightened sensitivity around aviation safety. On June 12 last year, Air India flight AI 171 from Ahmedabad to London crashed shortly after takeoff, colliding with a medical hostel building. The accident claimed 270 lives, with only one passenger surviving.
The tragedy had triggered widespread debate on aviation safety and regulatory vigilance. While the current penalty is unrelated to that crash, the incident continues to shape public perception and regulatory resolve. The DGCA’s action signals that compliance lapses, even when self-reported, will invite strict consequences as the sector works to reinforce safety standards.
