Air India has received nine show-cause notices from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) over safety violations in the last six months. This information was shared by Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, during a session in the Rajya Sabha. The notices relate to five different safety issues. Enforcement action has been taken in one case. This news comes in the wake of a tragic accident involving an Air India flight, which crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, killing 260 people. The crash has raised significant concern about the airline’s safety practices.
Mohol confirmed that the DGCA issued the notices in response to questions about the airline’s reliability and airworthiness. He mentioned that the enforcement action taken was part of a broader assessment of Air India’s flight safety and operations. The show-cause notices are part of DGCA’s efforts to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Following the crash, the DGCA ordered additional checks on Air India’s fleet of Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft. Out of 33 aircraft in Air India’s fleet, 31 have been inspected. Minor findings were reported in eight of these aircraft, which have since been rectified. The remaining two aircraft are currently undergoing scheduled maintenance.
In response to questions about the crash, the Civil Aviation Minister referred to the preliminary report from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). An investigation has been initiated to determine the causes of the crash. The AAIB’s initial report was released on July 12, 2025, and the investigation is ongoing.
Minister K Rammohan Naidu assured the public that the AAIB is conducting a fair and thorough investigation. He stated that the investigation adheres to international standards and aims to uncover the truth behind the accident.
The crash of Air India flight AI-171 has not only raised safety concerns but has also put pressure on the airline and its operational practices. The DGCA has been proactive in monitoring Air India’s operations, with 254 enforcement actions taken this year alone. This includes a range of actions such as warnings, suspensions, and penalties aimed at ensuring compliance with safety standards.
Despite these actions, the recent crash has highlighted potential systemic issues within the airline. Questions have been raised regarding why Air India was not subjected to stricter scrutiny, especially given the ongoing enforcement actions across other airlines.
Families of the victims are awaiting compensation, with interim payments already issued to some. Tata Sons, Air India’s parent company, has promised additional compensation for the victims, but the distribution process is still being arranged.
As the investigation continues, it remains crucial for Air India to demonstrate a commitment to improving its safety standards. Ensuring the safety of passengers and crew must remain the highest priority for the airline as it navigates this challenging period. The public and regulators alike will be watching closely to see how Air India responds to these challenges and what measures are put in place to prevent future accidents.