DGCA Action Against Air India: Officials De-Rostered After Aircraft Operated 8 Times Without Mandatory Airworthiness Review Certificate
December 1-2, 2025 | Aviation Safety Crisis | DGCA Investigation | A320 Airworthiness Violation | Post-AI 171 Scrutiny
By Aviation Safety & Regulatory Affairs Correspondent
DGCA Enforcement & Flight Safety Expert
Focus: Aviation regulations, DGCA actions, aircraft maintenance, pilot safety, airworthiness standards
DGCA launches investigation after Air India's Airbus A320 (VT-TQN) operated 8 commercial flights without valid Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC); concerned officials de-rostered; aircraft grounded; serious violations flagged post-AI 171 crash scrutiny.
In a stunning breach of aviation safety protocols, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a full investigation after discovering that Air India operated an Airbus A320 aircraft (registration VT-TQN) on eight commercial flights on November 24-25, 2025, without a valid Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC)—one of aviation's most critical mandatory safety documents[web:107][web:109][web:110]. The DGCA has de-rostered all concerned personnel immediately, grounded the aircraft, and instructed Air India to conduct a comprehensive internal investigation into systemic compliance failures[web:107][web:108]. The incident, disclosed voluntarily by Air India on November 26, 2025, represents what aviation experts term a "serious and unacceptable" violation unlikely from a mainline carrier and is expected to be classified as a Level-1 violation—the most serious category in India's civil aviation enforcement framework, reserved for breaches critical to flight safety[web:112].
The lapse is particularly alarming because it occurred just five months after the catastrophic AI 171 crash in Mumbai (June 2025) that killed 260 people, when Air India is already under intense DGCA scrutiny for multiple operational lapses. An Air India engineer discovered the expired certificate only during a routine night-halt inspection after the aircraft had already completed eight sectors—a systemic failure in monitoring that raises serious questions about the airline's safety culture and compliance systems[web:107][web:112].
The lapse is particularly alarming because it occurred just five months after the catastrophic AI 171 crash in Mumbai (June 2025) that killed 260 people, when Air India is already under intense DGCA scrutiny for multiple operational lapses. An Air India engineer discovered the expired certificate only during a routine night-halt inspection after the aircraft had already completed eight sectors—a systemic failure in monitoring that raises serious questions about the airline's safety culture and compliance systems[web:107][web:112].
What is Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC)? Why It's Mandatory
📋 What is ARC: The Essential Document
- Definition: ARC is issued annually to commercial aircraft after comprehensive verification of aircraft maintenance records, physical condition, and compliance with all airworthiness standards
- Validation Purpose: ARC confirms that aircraft meets all regulatory safety requirements and is fit for commercial passenger operations; it's a validation of aircraft's main Certificate of Airworthiness (C of A)
- Legal Status: Mandatory requirement for all commercial aircraft operations under Indian civil aviation regulations
- Renewal Timeline: Airlines typically begin ARC renewal process three months before expiry to ensure timely renewal and prevent gaps[web:108]
- Who Issues ARC: Normally, airlines issue ARCs through their Continuing Airworthiness Management Organization (CAMO)—specialized in-house departments responsible for continuous aircraft maintenance oversight
- Compliance Verification: ARC renewal requires reviewing: (1) Complete maintenance logs; (2) Physical inspection of aircraft; (3) Verification of all parts within approved service limits; (4) Documentation of all repairs/modifications
- Consequences of Lapse: Operating aircraft without valid ARC is typically categorized as serious safety lapse and can trigger Level-1 violations, insurance issues, and lease violations[web:108][web:110]
🚨 Why ARC Lapsed: The Vistara Merger Complication
- Background: In November 2024, budget airline Vistara merged into Air India, expanding Air India's fleet by 70 aircraft
- Regulatory Decision: DGCA decided that for first ARC renewal of all 70 Vistara aircraft, the regulator itself (not Air India) would conduct the renewal to ensure proper oversight during transition
- Progress to Date: 69 of 70 Vistara aircraft have received DGCA-issued ARCs after satisfactory compliance; only the 70th aircraft remained pending
- The Problem Aircraft: The A320 in question (VT-TQN) was the 70th aircraft; application was filed for ARC renewal but aircraft was subsequently grounded for engine change
- Critical Gap: During the maintenance period when aircraft was grounded for engine replacement, the ARC expired; however, after engine change was completed, aircraft was RELEASED for service despite ARC still being expired
- System Failure: No one in Air India's compliance chain checked or verified that ARC had lapsed; aircraft was cleared for operation without the mandatory certification[web:107][web:110]
- Discovery Timeline: Aircraft operated 8 sectors (Nov 24-25) before expiry was noticed during routine night-halt inspection; Air India disclosed to DGCA on Nov 26
⚠️ Why This Breach Matters: Safety-Critical Documentation
- Passenger Risk: Aircraft without valid ARC may not have undergone required maintenance checks; could be operating with expired parts, incomplete repairs, or unverified safety systems
- Insurance Implications: Operating aircraft without valid ARC likely voids insurance coverage; if accident occurred, airline liable for 100% of damages—potentially billions of rupees
- Lease Violations: Most commercial aircraft are leased; ARC requirement is typically mandated in lease agreements; lapse could trigger lease breach, forcing aircraft return
- Systemic Concern: Lapse reveals breakdown in multiple monitoring systems: (1) Air India's internal tracking; (2) CAMO oversight; (3) Crew scheduling verification; (4) Night-halt inspection procedures
- Post-AI 171 Context: After tragic crash killed 260 people, regulatory focus on Air India's maintenance and compliance systems intensified; this incident perceived as confirmation of systemic issues[web:107][web:112]
The Incident: November 24-25, 2025 Timeline
🛫 Eight Flights with Expired Certificate: Chronology
- October 24, 2025: Aircraft (VT-TQN) last operated with valid ARC before being grounded for engine change
- October 24 - November 23, 2025: Aircraft grounded for engine replacement maintenance; ARC expired during this period
- November 24-25, 2025: Aircraft released for service after engine change despite ARC having expired; crew not notified of documentation gap
- The Flights (Nov 24-25): Aircraft operated EIGHT commercial revenue flights (sectors) carrying passengers with invalid ARC
- November 25 Evening: After completing 8th flight, aircraft positioned for night halt at maintenance base
- Night Halt Inspection (Nov 25-26): Air India engineer conducting routine post-flight inspection discovered ARC had expired; raised immediate alert
- November 26, 2025: Air India immediately: (1) Informed DGCA of the breach; (2) Grounded the aircraft; (3) Suspended all personnel involved in clearing aircraft for operations
- December 1-2, 2025: DGCA announces investigation; de-rosters concerned personnel; announces likely Level-1 violation classification[web:107][web:112]
👮 DGCA's Immediate Actions & Investigation
- Aircraft Status: Grounded immediately; cannot operate until new ARC obtained and all investigations completed
- Personnel Actions: All concerned personnel de-rostered with immediate effect pending investigation; unclear exact number but includes scheduling staff, maintenance engineers, and crew scheduling officials
- DGCA Summons: CEO Campbell Wilson and CTO Sirisha Kant Dash summoned by DGCA for explanations on serious operational lapse; expected to face show-cause notices
- Formal Investigation: DGCA instituting full formal investigation into: (1) How aircraft cleared for operations without ARC; (2) Failures in compliance monitoring; (3) Systemic deficiencies in Air India's airworthiness management
- Violation Classification: Expected to be classified as Level-1 violation—most serious category reserved for breaches "critical to flight safety"; could result in: license suspension, operational permissions withdrawal, massive fines
- Internal Investigation: DGCA instructed Air India to conduct comprehensive internal investigation and submit report on deficiencies and corrective measures
💬 Aviation Expert Response & Concerns
- Captain SS Panesar (Former Flight Safety Director): Filed formal complaint with DGCA; flagged "shocking and unacceptable" nature of violation
- DGCA Official Statement: "Operating aircraft that was not certified to be airworthy has risked flight safety and that of all passengers. This is serious violation not expected from mainline carrier."
- Industry Concern: Night-halt inspection discovering expired ARC raises "troubling questions about Air India's safety culture"; modern monitoring systems and CAMO should catch such lapses
- Safety Culture Assessment: Even if no actual accident occurred, lapse indicates systemic failure in compliance mentality and monitoring procedures designed to prevent such oversights
- Post-AI 171 Implications: Incident expected to intensify DGCA focus on Air India's maintenance and compliance processes; likely triggering more rigorous inspections and stricter oversight[web:112]
Air India's Response & Internal Measures
✈️ Air India's Official Statement
"Air India remains unwavering in its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of operational integrity and safety, and any deviation from mandated compliance protocols is treated with utmost seriousness and is unacceptable to the organisation. An incident involving one of our aircraft operating without an airworthiness review certificate is regrettable. As soon as this came to our notice, it was duly reported to the DGCA, and all personnel associated with the decision have been suspended pending further review. We have initiated a comprehensive internal investigation and are fully cooperating with the regulator."
- Tone: Apologetic but defensive; emphasizes "voluntary disclosure" and cooperation
- Actions Taken: (1) Suspended all personnel involved in decision; (2) Grounded aircraft; (3) Initiated internal investigation; (4) Full cooperation with DGCA
📋 Air India's Compliance Context: CEO Message (September 2025)
- CEO Campbell Wilson's September Message: "In aftermath of AI 171 crash, we are being more transparent than usual in reporting incidents and events—no matter how small."
- Stated Rationale: Wilson framed transparency as building trust with regulators; acknowledged increased news coverage of incidents due to heightened scrutiny
- Voluntary Disclosure Pattern: Air India has been voluntarily reporting operational lapses to DGCA (including pilot licensing violations, crew scheduling breaches) in last 5 months
- Media Interpretation: Wilson's message read by media as tacit admission that increased incident reporting reflects underlying systemic issues now being exposed through transparency
- Criticism: Some argue transparency messaging is PR cover for serious operational failures; others defend as necessary post-AI 171 remediation approach
🔧 Air India's Required Corrective Actions (DGCA Directives)
- System Deficiency Identification: DGCA instructed Air India to identify specific deficiencies in airworthiness management systems
- Corrective Measures: Air India must implement corrective measures to prevent similar failures
- Monitoring Enhancement: Expected to strengthen: (1) ARC tracking systems; (2) Pre-flight documentation checks; (3) Crew briefing procedures; (4) Night-halt inspection protocols
- CAMO Oversight: Air India's Continuing Airworthiness Management Organization likely to face enhanced scrutiny and possible restructuring
- Timeline: Corrective measures must be implemented before aircraft can resume operations; ARC renewal process pending
Broader Context: Air India's Pattern of DGCA Violations (2025)
Air India's Recent Safety & Compliance Issues
| Incident/Violation | Date | Action Taken |
|---|---|---|
| AI 171 Crash (Mumbai) - 260 Deaths | June 12, 2025 | Ongoing investigation; multiple DGCA scrutiny initiated |
| Crew Scheduling Violations (3 officials removed) | June 20, 2025 | 3 senior officials removed from crew rostering; show-cause to CEO Wilson |
| Pilots Operating with Lapsed Licenses | November 1, 2025 | 2 pilots (co-pilot & senior captain) grounded; discipline initiated |
| Aircraft Parts Exceeding Service Limits | Multiple (2025) | CEO Campbell Wilson received show-cause notice |
| A320 Operating Without Valid ARC | November 24-25, 2025 | Aircraft grounded; personnel de-rostered; Level-1 investigation |
Industry Interpretation
- Pattern Assessment: 5-6 major violations in 6 months suggests systemic rather than isolated failures
- Root Causes: Experts identify: (1) Integration chaos from Vistara merger; (2) Rapid growth straining compliance infrastructure; (3) Insufficient monitoring systems; (4) Leadership accountability gaps
- Post-AI 171 Sensitivity: Each new violation intensifies regulatory scrutiny; public concerned about Air India safety culture
- Regulatory Response: DGCA implementing stricter oversight, more frequent audits, increased penalties; considering additional surveillance or operational restrictions
UPSC & Competitive Exams: Aviation Regulations & Safety Topics
UPSC Prelims (Expected Questions)
- Which aircraft did Air India operate without valid ARC? (A) Boeing 737 (B) Airbus A380 (C) Airbus A320 (D) Bombardier Q400
- What does ARC stand for? (A) Airworthiness Review Certificate (B) Aircraft Readiness Code (C) Airspace Routing Certificate (D) Aeronautical Regulatory Council
- How many commercial flights did the A320 operate without valid ARC? (A) 4 (B) 6 (C) 8 (D) 12
- Which regulatory body issued show-cause to Air India CEO Campbell Wilson? (A) Ministry of Civil Aviation (B) DGCA (C) AAIB (D) Airports Authority
UPSC Mains (Practice Questions)
- "Discuss the role of DGCA in ensuring aviation safety in India. How can regulatory frameworks prevent systemic violations?" (15 marks)
- "Examine the impact of the Vistara-Air India merger on operational compliance. What are lessons for airline consolidation?" (15 marks)
- "Analyze the relationship between transparency, disclosure, and safety culture in aviation. Is voluntary reporting sufficient?" (10 marks)
Banking & SSC GK
- Which ministry oversees DGCA? (A) Ministry of Civil Aviation (B) Ministry of Defense (C) Ministry of Shipping (D) Ministry of Commerce
- What is the most serious violation category in Indian aviation enforcement? (A) Level-2 (B) Level-1 (C) Critical (D) Category-A
- When did the Vistara airline merge with Air India? (A) January 2024 (B) June 2024 (C) November 2024 (D) December 2024
Key Aviation Safety Topics for Exams
- DGCA's Role: India's primary civil aviation regulator; issues airworthiness certificates, investigates violations, enforces safety standards
- Airworthiness Certification: Annual verification process ensuring aircraft meets all safety and maintenance standards
- CAMO (Continuing Airworthiness Management): Specialized organization managing continuous aircraft maintenance oversight
- Level-1 Violations: Most serious category; breaches critical to flight safety; attract license suspension threats
- Crew Rostering Compliance: Mandatory checks on pilot licensing, rest requirements, language proficiency
- AI 171 Crash (June 2025): Context for 2025 Air India scrutiny; 260 deaths; ongoing investigation into maintenance and operation factors
👆 Click button to access free mock test with 30 questions on aviation safety, airworthiness standards, and regulatory compliance
📝 Key Takeaways for Students & Exam Preparation:
- ✓ Air India's A320 (VT-TQN) operated 8 flights without valid ARC (Nov 24-25, 2025)
- ✓ ARC = Airworthiness Review Certificate; mandatory annual document proving aircraft meets safety standards
- ✓ Lapse occurred due to Vistara merger complications; aircraft released after engine change despite ARC expiry
- ✓ DGCA de-rostered personnel; likely Level-1 violation (most serious category)
- ✓ CEO Campbell Wilson & CTO Sirisha Kant Dash summoned by DGCA for explanations
- ✓ 5-6 major Air India violations in 6 months; pattern suggests systemic failures
- ✓ Post-AI 171 crash (June 2025, 260 deaths) context; regulatory scrutiny intense
- ✓ Night-halt inspection discovered expired ARC; raises questions about compliance culture
Why This Matters: Implications for Aviation Safety & Regulatory Oversight
- ✓ Safety Culture Assessment: Lapse indicates systemic breakdown in compliance monitoring, not isolated human error
- ✓ Passenger Risk: Operating unverified aircraft exposes passengers to unknown maintenance risks; voids insurance coverage
- ✓ Regulatory Response: DGCA likely to impose stricter oversight, more frequent audits, possible operational restrictions
- ✓ Airline Consolidation Risks: Vistara merger integration failures show challenges in merger compliance integration
- ✓ Transparency Debate: Is voluntary disclosure cover for systemic issues, or genuine reform mechanism?
- ✓ Industry Trust: Air India brand reputation suffering; customers may shift to competitors; investor confidence affected
- ✓ Merger Lessons: Aviation industry consolidations require robust transition planning for compliance systems
— End of Report —
Sources:
- Indian Express, NDTV, India Today, Economic Times, Times of India, Hindustan Times
- Republic World, Business Standard, MoneyControl, The New Indian Express
- AirLive.net (aviation incident reporting)
- DGCA official statements and press releases
- Air India official statements and disclosures
- December 1-2, 2025
