DGCA flags 263 safety lapses across airlines; Air India, Vistara lead in serious violations

New Delhi: Civil aviation regulator DGCA found 263 violations during its audit of eight Indian carriers in the last one year.

DGCA said that it is normal for airlines with large operations to report a high number of findings during an audit and globally, aviation regulators routinely encounter similar patterns with major carriers due to the diversity and intensity of their undertakings.

"Upon completion of each audit, the relevant airlines are formally notified and are required to submit timely compliance and corrective action reports. The DGCA closely monitors these responses and ensures that all necessary measures are taken to maintain and enhance safety standards," the regulator said.


Air India logged seven Level 1 findings. These are classified as the most serious critical findings by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) with the potential to impact flight safety.

The DGCA classifies audit findings into two levels, with Level 1 involving direct safety hazards, including improper aircraft maintenance and documentation of expired parts, or serious crew training deficiencies. Level 2 typically refers to procedural violations or administrative oversights.

Serious safety lapses at Air India exceeded those of any other Indian carrier during the period, second only to erstwhile Vistara, which had 10 such findings, before it was merged into Air India.

Air India Express, the group's low-cost international arm, recorded two Level 1 findings.

Such lapses can attract enforcement actions, including penalties, or aircraft grounding orders.

In total, Air India reported 51 findings including 44 Level 2 findings. Air India said it will take corrective action within the stipulated time frame, and inform the regulator.

IndiGo, India's largest airline by fleet size operating 1,000 more flights daily than Air India, reported 23 issues, but none in the Level 1 category. Budget airline SpiceJet, which has faced multiple regulatory actions in recent years, recorded 14 findings.

Air India's engineering and safety practices have come under regulatory scrutiny.