The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has imposed a ₹1 crore fine on Air India after finding that one of the airline’s Airbus A320 aircraft operated eight passenger flights in November 2025 without a valid airworthiness permit. This permit is a mandatory certification that confirms an aircraft is safe and fit to fly. Operating flights without it is a serious breach of aviation safety rules.
The DGCA noted that such lapses erode public confidence in air travel safety, and emphasized that accountability rests with airline management. The regulator specifically held Air India CEO Campbell Wilson and other senior officials responsible for the oversight. The fine is required to be paid within 30 days, and the airline has been instructed to ensure strict compliance with all regulatory norms moving forward.
Air India has said that the issue was self-reported voluntarily and that corrective steps have already been implemented to prevent recurrence. The airline also stated that no safety incidents occurred during the eight flights in question.
This fine comes amid heightened scrutiny of Air India’s operations following a tragic Boeing crash last year that resulted in multiple fatalities. Aviation experts say the DGCA’s action underscores the importance of maintaining strict safety standards, especially as airlines expand their fleets and increase flight operations.
The DGCA’s investigation revealed that the lapse was primarily due to administrative oversight. While the aircraft itself remained mechanically sound, the absence of the formal airworthiness certificate constitutes a regulatory violation. Aviation authorities highlight that even minor paperwork lapses can undermine public trust and have legal consequences, which is why regulators are taking a firm stance.
The incident has sparked discussion in the industry about the need for stronger internal checks and robust monitoring systems within airlines. Experts suggest that airlines must reinforce both technical compliance and operational oversight to ensure that safety procedures are not compromised.
Air India’s management has assured passengers that safety remains its top priority and that measures have been strengthened to comply fully with DGCA guidelines. The fine, though significant, is seen by regulators as a corrective step rather than a punitive measure, aimed at reinforcing accountability and protecting passenger trust.
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