Air India Flies with Lapsed Airworthiness Certificate: DGCA Orders Probe and Grounds Plane

A recent revelation has sent ripples through the Indian aviation sector: Air India operated an aircraft with an expired airworthiness certificate. This serious breach of protocol prompted swift action from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which has ordered a thorough probe and immediately grounded the plane involved.

The airworthiness certificate is a fundamental document in aviation, guaranteeing that an aircraft meets all necessary safety standards and is fit to fly. Operating without a valid certificate is a grave violation, putting passenger lives and crew safety at considerable risk. Such a lapse underscores the critical importance of rigorous maintenance checks and stringent adherence to regulatory guidelines by airlines. The incident involving the Airbus A320 aircraft, which reportedly flew for several days with the lapsed certification, raises questions about internal oversight mechanisms within Air India.

The DGCA’s decisive response – launching an investigation into the matter and grounding the aircraft – is a testament to its commitment to maintaining aviation safety standards. This probe will likely scrutinize not only the specific lapse but also the broader operational procedures at Air India to prevent future occurrences. For airlines, maintaining updated documentation and ensuring every aircraft is compliant is non-negotiable. This incident serves as a stark reminder that even minor oversights can have significant safety and reputational consequences.

Ensuring every flight operates under valid and current certifications is paramount for passenger trust and the overall integrity of the aviation industry. The outcome of the DGCA’s investigation will be crucial in addressing the root cause of this lapse and reinforcing the culture of safety compliance across all operators.