DGCA's Blow To Air India: Safety Chief Suspended Over Protocol Violations

Air India’s Chief of Flight Safety has been handed a one-month suspension by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in the wake of a detailed examination of the airline’s safety measures.

What Happened: A report by Mint discloses that the DGCA undertook a surveillance initiative on July 25 and 26, 2023, focusing on various areas including internal audit, accident prevention efforts, and the presence of necessary technical manpower within Air India.

The investigation revealed gaps in the airline’s accident prevention measures. Additionally, the internal audits or spot checks carried out by the airline were found to be cursory, and not meeting the requisite regulatory standards.

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According to a DGCA statement, the national carrier was discovered to be short of the necessary technical staff as stipulated in the approved Flight Safety Manual and the pertinent Civil Aviation Requirements.

The suspension of the Chief of Flight Safety is aimed at pushing Air India to rectify the identified shortcomings and align with the mandated safety standards.

Why It Matters: The DGCA’s decision is significant as it emphasises the criticality of adhering to safety protocols in the aviation industry. The temporary suspension underscores DGCA’s commitment to ensuring that airlines operating in the country comply with the necessary safety guidelines, thereby guaranteeing passenger safety. The move also highlights the stringent measures taken by DGCA to uphold regulatory standards and maintain a safe flying environment in the Indian skies.

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