DGCA's Annual Audit Puts Spotlight on Air India and India's Aviation Safety

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has unveiled its most recent audit report on India's scheduled airlines, providing an intricate look at operational and safety compliance as part of its Annual Surveillance Plan (ASP). Following the audit, Air India has emerged as a focal point, with 51 recorded findings putting it behind only Alliance Air's 57 findings.

The DGCA categorizes the findings into two levels: Level 1, regarded as more severe, necessitates airlines to submit a corrective report within a week, whereas Level 2 allows a month for compliance. A detailed table accompanying the report highlights major findings for each airline, with notable figures for Alliance Air, Ghodawat Star, and several others.

Tata SIA Airlines leads with Level 1 findings, underscoring issues of procedural lapse, while Alliance Air's numerous Level 2 findings may suggest areas requiring more focus. The DGCA clarified that these findings reflect the operational gamut, rather than signifying unsafe practices. Assurance was given that India's aviation safety aligns with global ICAO standards, underscoring robust regulatory oversight.

(With inputs from agencies.)