DGCA has sent four notices to Air India, alleging insufficient rest and training for crew and violation of safety standards on long-haul flights. A response has been requested.
DGCA Notice: Air India has been issued four show-cause notices by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). These notices pertain to several serious deficiencies related to crew duty hours, adequate rest, training, and flight operations. The notices were issued following voluntary disclosures made by the airline to the regulator on June 20 and 21, which the airline itself submitted on July 23.
Notices Follow Voluntary Disclosures
Air India had made some voluntary reports in the past year, admitting to potential violations of operational regulations. The DGCA's action comes against this backdrop. An airline spokesperson confirmed the receipt of these notices and stated that the company would file its response with the regulator in due course.
Negligence in Crew Rest Rules and Training
According to the DGCA, Air India has violated the prescribed rules for crew rest on several long-haul international and domestic flights. Furthermore, the mandatory training and SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) that crew members are required to undergo before flights have not been properly adhered to.
Questions Raised on Which Flights
According to sources, three of the show-cause notices are based on the disclosures made by Air India on June 20. Among the flights mentioned, two were operated on April 27, one on April 28, and one on May 2. The necessary rest and duty schedules for the cabin crew were not followed on these four ultra-long-haul flights.
In addition, irregularities in training and operational procedures were also found in other flights operated on July 26, 2024, October 9, 2024, and April 22, 2025. According to the DGCA, regulatory guidelines were disregarded in the flights on these dates.
Crew Not Given Weekly Rest
Another notice has been issued regarding flights operated on June 24, 2024, and June 13, 2025. Violations of standards related to weekly rest and duty hour limits occurred on these flights. This violation can not only cause fatigue among employees but also endanger the safety of passengers.
Negligence in Training and Procedures Occurred Three Times
Based on another disclosure made by Air India on June 21, the DGCA issued yet another notice. It revealed deficiencies in crew training and procedural lapses in flights operated on April 10 and 11, between February 16 and May 19, and on December 1, 2024.
Past Incidents Increased Concern
The DGCA's concern regarding Air India's operational system has been steadily increasing in recent months. A tragic incident on June 12 further deepened this concern when an Air India Boeing 787-8 aircraft collided with a building while flying from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick. A total of 260 people died in this accident, including 19 people on the ground. This accident has raised serious questions about the airline's safety standards.
