The Ministry of Civil Aviation has stepped up scrutiny of Tata-owned Air India in gentle of current safety-related incidents. Officers say the transfer is “precautionary” as the federal government seeks to make sure stringent adherence to security protocols.
The intervention follows the deadly crash of Air India Flight 171 on June 12, which claimed 260 lives, and a sequence of technical glitches that raised pink flags.
A preliminary probe by the Plane Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) revealed that the plane’s gas switches had shifted from “run” to “cutoff” throughout take-off.
In response, the Directorate Basic of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ordered inspections of gas management change locking mechanisms throughout all Boeing 787 and 737 plane by July 22. Air India met the deadline, reporting no defects. “The airline started voluntary checks on July 12 and accomplished them on time. The findings had been shared with the regulator,” Air India said.
The central authorities has additionally issued 9 show-cause notices to Air India within the final six months for 5 safety-related violations, with enforcement motion taken in a single case, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol knowledgeable the Rajya Sabha.
The DGCA has carried out three security audits of Air India—in September 2020, March 2023, and March 2025. Whereas no main lapses had been discovered, the regulator adopted up to make sure corrective steps had been taken.
“We acknowledge receipt of those notices from the regulator associated to sure voluntary disclosures that had been made during the last one 12 months by Air India. We are going to reply to the mentioned notices inside the stipulated interval. We stay dedicated to the security of our crew and passengers,” Air India mentioned in an announcement.
Between 2020 and 2025, enforcement actions included a ₹30 lakh tremendous, suspension of three licences, withdrawal of 1 post-holder’s approval, and 5 warnings.
