Air India Operated Non-Airworthy Airbus A320, Calls Incident ‘Regrettable’ Amid DGCA Probe
DGCA investigates after aircraft operated with expired airworthiness certificate; internal probe and suspensions underway
New Delhi, Dec 02 : Air India on Tuesday admitted that one of its Airbus A320 aircraft was operated without a valid airworthiness certificate, describing the incident as “regrettable,” after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) launched a probe. The aircraft, which flew at least eight times last month before being grounded, had an expired Certificate of Airworthiness.
The certificate, issued and renewed annually by the DGCA, ensures that an aircraft is safe for flight. Aviation officials have termed the operation of an aircraft without a valid certificate a serious violation of safety regulations.
In a statement, Air India said, “As soon as this came to our notice, it was duly reported to the DGCA. All personnel associated with the decision have been placed under suspension, pending further review. We have initiated a comprehensive internal investigation and are fully cooperating with the regulator.”
The airline reaffirmed its commitment to safety, stating, “Any deviation from mandated compliance protocols is treated with utmost seriousness and is unacceptable to the organisation.”
The DGCA continues its investigation, while the A320 remains grounded. This incident comes in the aftermath of Air India Flight 171’s June 12 crash from Ahmedabad to London, which claimed the lives of 240 people, including passengers and individuals on the ground. The airline has since provided interim compensation to 95% of the affected families.
The probe highlights the critical importance of adherence to airworthiness standards, as safety remains the top priority in aviation operations.
