Air India Under Scrutiny for Lapses in Safety Checks

India's aviation regulator has issued warnings to Air India for significant safety violations after several of its Airbus aircraft, overdue for emergency equipment checks, continued operations. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) flagged Air India's sluggish response in addressing these compliance issues, as detailed in government documents reviewed by Reuters.

The DGCA report, unrelated to a recent Air India crash, highlighted lapses wherein three Airbus planes were operated with expired emergency equipment inspections, contravening airworthiness standards. Air India, now under Tata Group management, pledged to expedite maintenance verifications following DGCA's findings.

The regulatory body has enforced stringent warnings, potentially leading to civil penalties for safety breaches. Despite previous safety lapses, signaled by inadequate oversight, Air India faces increased pressure to enhance safety practices, propelled by recent incidents challenging its operational credibility.

(With inputs from agencies.)