Published on: June 21, 2025 3:02 pm
✈️ DGCA Removes Air India Officials Over Crew Rostering Violations
📰 DGCA’s Crackdown on Crew Safety: What Happened?
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken decisive action against Air India, ordering the removal of three senior officials from all responsibilities related to crew rostering. The move follows a detailed compliance audit revealing critical lapses in how the airline scheduled its flight crews.
The order, issued on June 20, 2025, is a part of DGCA’s broader efforts to strengthen flight safety standards in India. A Divisional Vice President and two senior rostering managers were found responsible for failing to uphold rest, licensing, and flight time regulations.
🚨 Background: Air India’s Transition and Safety Oversight
Internal System Change Uncovered Risks
The issue came to light after Air India transitioned from its old rostering system (ARMS) to a new platform called CAE Flight and Crew Management. During the post-transition audit, DGCA discovered:
- Flights operated by crew without valid rest periods
- Pilots scheduled beyond permitted duty hours
- Systemic failure to monitor mandatory “recency” and licensing norms
Triggered by Earlier Flight Incidents
The investigation gained urgency following the June 12 incident, when a Boeing 787 flight narrowly avoided a runway excursion near Ahmedabad. While no direct link has been confirmed, the episode raised serious concerns about systemic management failures, including crew fatigue.
⚖️ DGCA’s Enforcement: What Are the Consequences?
Disciplinary Actions Initiated
DGCA’s notice instructed Air India to:
- Immediately relieve the three officials from rostering roles
- Initiate internal disciplinary proceedings
- Submit progress reports within 10 days
Potential for Further Penalties
The regulator also warned of stricter actions—including suspension of Air India’s scheduling authority—if further violations are detected. The move sets a precedent for zero tolerance on aviation safety breaches in India.
🧭 Air India’s Response and Damage Control
Air India has acknowledged the order and stated it is fully cooperating with the aviation regulator. The Chief Operations Officer (COO) has temporarily assumed oversight of the Integrated Operations Control Centre (IOCC).
Official Statement
“Safety is our top priority. We respect the DGCA’s directives and are committed to improving our rostering compliance,” said an Air India spokesperson.
🌍 Aviation Safety in India: A Growing Concern?
This incident is part of a larger conversation around aviation safety in India, where regulators are tightening oversight amid growing air traffic and airline mergers. Similar actions were recently taken against IndiGo and SpiceJet over unrelated compliance issues.
🧠 Expert Opinions on the DGCA’s Move
Aviation experts have largely welcomed the decision.
“This shows DGCA is serious about enforcing norms—not just issuing guidelines,” said a former DGCA official.
Some industry insiders also worry about long-term operational impacts, including scheduling delays or staffing shortages if rostering continues to be mishandled.
📊 What This Means for Passengers
While this enforcement action might temporarily cause internal restructuring at Air India, it’s unlikely to affect flight schedules in the short term. In the long run, tighter controls on crew scheduling may enhance flight safety and passenger confidence.
🔍 Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Airlines
The DGCA’s action signals a shift toward proactive regulation in India’s aviation sector. With increasing passenger volumes and global scrutiny, airlines must ensure not just operational efficiency, but strict adherence to safety norms—starting with how they schedule their crews.
