India’s aviation regulator has commenced an investigation into Air India after it operated eight flights without a valid airworthiness review certificate, which is issued annually to demonstrate compliance with safety standards. The airline’s aircraft implicated is associated with an Airbus A320, although the regulator did not specify the aircraft type directly. This probe is part of broader concerns following a tragic June Boeing crash that resulted in 260 fatalities and led to Indian airlines being temporarily banned from Pakistani airspace.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) clarified that the flights in question lacked the necessary safety certification. Airbus declined to comment immediately. The regulator acted swiftly by grounding the aircraft involved and removing the concerned personnel from their duties, highlighting the seriousness of the matter.
The incident adds to ongoing scrutiny of Air India’s safety practices, which have come under repeated warnings from Indian authorities this year. The airline was also associated with a recent accident in Ahmedabad involving a London-bound flight. Officials emphasized that the investigation aims to uphold safety standards and prevent future lapses, amidst international and domestic pressure to improve operational safety.
