European Safety Inspections Reveal Safety Concerns in Air India Aircraft
European aviation authorities recently conducted surprise inspections of Air India’s fleet at various European airports. During these checks, multiple safety issues were identified, prompting the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to review the airline's compliance standards. These inspections focused on approximately 54 safety parameters, including emergency equipment, operational documentation, and crew licensing.
The findings indicated a concerning safety inspection ratio of 1.96 issues per aircraft, approaching the threshold of 2, which could lead to stricter regulatory measures. The DGCA responded promptly by introducing corrective measures and increasing internal inspections, which have since brought the ratio down to 1.76. Analysts attribute these safety lapses partly to Air India’s aging fleet and delays in refurbishment programs aimed at upgrading aircraft cabins and systems.
European standards are known for their strictness, with even minor infractions such as worn emergency markings or cabin component damage being documented. The airline's increased long-haul routes—especially those involving additional technical stops—have contributed to more frequent inspections and oversight.
This situation underscores the ongoing efforts by Tata Sons to modernize Air India's operations and bolster safety compliance. Moving forward, the airline is focused on rectifying identified issues through rigorous internal checks and fleet updates, aiming to meet international safety standards and ensure passenger security.
