New Delhi, 24 June 2025:
India’s top aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has flagged a series of major safety violations at key airports and within airline operations across the country, issuing a stern warning to rectify the problems within a week or face strict punitive action.
Following intensified inspections at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, the DGCA uncovered multiple deficiencies. These include faded runway centre line markings, malfunctioning taxiway lights, poorly maintained aircraft parts, worn-out tyres, misplaced life vests, and even corrosion-damaged structural tape on plane winglets.
"We conducted night and early morning inspections to assess the ground reality, and what we found was deeply concerning," a DGCA official told the media. A number of previously reported flaws have resurfaced, demonstrating a glaring failure on the part of airport authorities and airline operators to address the issue.
In one of the most severe instances, an aircraft with unusable tires was cleared for takeoff. Only during the audit was the error discovered and promptly fixed. Another case raised concerns about the sufficiency of flight readiness when simulators used for pilot training failed to replicate cockpit controls precisely.
The inspections follow the tragic June 12 Air India Boeing 787 crash that claimed 271 lives. Because of the accident, safety has come under increased scrutiny, and the DGCA has increased its oversight procedures. "All operators are being placed on notice. In a formal advisory sent to all parties involved, the DGCA stated that they must correct these errors within seven days or risk disciplinary action, which may include license suspension or operational limitations.
The aviation regulator also called attention to more general structural problems, such as antiquated ground handling equipment and subpar crew scheduling procedures. As a result, earlier this month, a number of senior officials from Air India's rostering department were fired.
Experts have cautioned that safety standards must not be compromised in light of India's rapidly growing aviation sector. An aviation safety analyst stated that while passenger traffic may be increasing, safety must also increase. A new framework for routine, unplanned safety audits at all major airports and airline bases has been started by the DGCA.
These will seek to rebuild public confidence in the nation's aviation system and guarantee adherence to international safety standards.
