DGCA Penalises Air India Almsot One Crore for A320‑neo Airworthiness Lapse – What Travellers Must Know About Safety and Compliance

In aviation safety enforcement by the Government of India’s civil aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has imposed a significant penalty of ₹1 crore on Air India after it operated an Airbus A320‑neo aircraft on revenue flights without a valid Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC). This action, formally upheld in an order dated early February 2026, follows a voluntary report by the airline in late November 2025 about multiple flights conducted with an expired certification. The DGCA’s order highlights regulatory non‑compliance that “eroded public confidence” in operational oversight, citing systemic failures in ensuring the aircraft’s certification status was current before commercial use. All identified gaps have since been addressed by the airline, but regulators maintain that rigorous adherence to safety standards is non‑negotiable.

The ARC is a mandatory annual validation confirming an aircraft meets all applicable airworthiness norms, including maintenance, documentation and physical condition checks. Under Indian civil aviation rules, operators must ensure each aircraft flying commercially holds a current ARC at all times. Air India’s lapse occurred when the certificate on the A320‑neo in question expired and was not renewed before it was operated across at least eight scheduled sectors. DGCA’s enforcement action underscores the criticality of certification integrity in protecting passenger safety and maintaining industry confidence.

What Went Wrong: The Airworthiness Certification Lapse

DGCA’s investigation revealed that the Airbus A320‑neo was flown on multiple sectors after its ARC expired. Although the aircraft was authorised to self‑issue certificates under delegated powers, the renewal process did not complete in time, resulting in at least eight commercial flights without the requisite review certificate. The issue came to light internally at Air India, which reported the compliance lapse to DGCA on 26 November 2025. The aircraft was grounded immediately, and corrective measures were initiated.

The ARC process involves detailed verification of an aircraft’s maintenance records, structural condition and conformity with all airworthiness criteria. Failure to maintain a valid ARC means the regulator cannot assure that the aircraft complies with safety norms, posing potential risk to passengers and crew. Aviation safety statutes in India strictly prohibit the operation of any passenger service without current certification. Air India’s reporting of the lapse, while voluntary, triggered a full compliance probe by DGCA officials.

Official Position: Government Safety Prioritised

In the official DGCA order, regulators stressed that civil aviation safety cannot be compromised under any circumstances. “The lapses identified in this instance reflect procedural failures that could undermine public confidence in aviation safety systems,” the DGCA’s joint director general noted. The penalty was determined after rigorous examination of the circumstances, the airline’s response and corrective action taken. DGCA has also reviewed internal processes to prevent similar occurrences.

Air India has acknowledged receipt of the regulatory order, stating that all identified compliance gaps were addressed and shared with the DGCA. The airline reiterated its commitment to safety and said it cooperated fully with the inquiry. While the carrier’s proactive disclosure is a mitigating factor in regulatory assessment, authorities maintain that adherence to certification timelines remains a compulsory obligation.

Impact on Travellers: Safety Confidence and Operational Assurance

For travellers, this development is likely to have mixed perceptions. On one hand, stringent regulatory action enhances confidence that Indian aviation authorities are actively enforcing safety norms and holding carriers accountable, which is essential for maintaining passenger trust. The DGCA’s firm stance reassures flyers that oversight mechanisms are functioning and that lapses, when identified, are met with proportionate penalties.

On the other hand, news of an airline operating commercial services without a current airworthiness review could unsettle passengers, especially those who prioritise safety records in their travel decisions. Frequent flyers may scrutinise airline compliance histories more closely, and potential passengers could be influenced when choosing carriers for long‑haul or high‑frequency routes. The airline’s immediate corrective action and cooperation with the regulator may mitigate such concerns, but public perception remains sensitive to safety narratives.

Broader Aviation Sector Implications

This penalty reinforces the importance of rigorous internal compliance frameworks within airlines. Aviation operators globally are obligated to uphold certification and operational standards; any deviation can invite not only fines but also reputational damage. For Air India, which has been rebuilding its global profile following earlier safety incidents, including the investigation into its operations after a major accident in 2025, this enforcement action underscores the need for meticulous regulatory conformity.

Other airlines operating under DGCA jurisdiction may interpret this enforcement as a clear signal that lapses in administrative controls—particularly those affecting aircraft certification—will attract scrutiny and financial penalties. For Indian civil aviation, this could catalyse enhanced internal audit processes across carriers to ensure all documentation and certification are managed proactively.

Conclusion: Regulatory Vigilance and Traveller Assurance

The DGCA’s fine on Air India for operating an A320‑neo without a valid airworthiness review certificate marks a decisive regulatory action in India’s civil aviation landscape. By enforcing penalties and requiring immediate corrective action, the government entity demonstrates its commitment to safety and operational integrity in passenger air travel. Travellers can derive assurance from active oversight, but airlines must sustain rigorous compliance to maintain confidence and avoid disruptions to service reliability and reputation. Consistent enforcement, transparent reporting and adherence to certification norms are indispensable for the continued growth and trust in Indian aviation. The country‑based news reflects India’s focus on upholding global safety standards while fostering a secure travel environment for passengers.

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