Air India's Safety Oversight: DGCA Takes Action

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken decisive enforcement action against Air India following a discovery that an emergency slide inspection was markedly overdue on one of its aircraft. According to Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol, the aircraft was promptly grounded until the overdue inspections could be completed satisfactorily.

While details regarding the timing of the audit and subsequent enforcement actions remain undisclosed, this development comes amidst heightened scrutiny surrounding Air India's adherence to aviation safety norms. The DGCA's audit revealed lapses not long before the catastrophic crash of flight AI 171 on June 12, which resulted in 260 fatalities.

Addressing the Rajya Sabha, Mohol emphasized the DGCA's commitment to maintaining safety through various checks and surveillance. In cases of non-compliance, the DGCA enforces penalties, which can range from warnings to financial fines, to ensure safety protocols are rigorously followed.

(With inputs from agencies.)