DGCA imposes ₹1 crore fine on Air India for operating Airbus flights without ARC
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has imposed a penalty of ₹1 crore on Air India for serious safety violations. The action was taken after the airline operated an Airbus A320 aircraft eight times without a valid Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC). The regulator termed the violation “serious” and held the airline’s top management responsible for the lapse.
According to the DGCA’s penalty order, the Airbus A320 aircraft was flown multiple times between New Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Hyderabad during November 24 and 25 last year without the mandatory ARC.
The ARC is a crucial annual certificate issued by the aviation regulator only after an aircraft successfully meets prescribed safety and regulatory checks. Operating a flight without this certificate is considered a grave breach of aviation safety norms.
Sources said the DGCA viewed the matter with utmost seriousness and raised objections over what it described as the airline’s “careless approach” to compliance and safety.
Responding to the DGCA order, an Air India spokesperson said in a statement, “Air India acknowledges receipt of the DGCA order, which relates to an incident voluntarily reported in 2025. All identified issues have been satisfactorily addressed and duly communicated to the authority. Air India remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of operational reliability and safety.”
Air India has been facing a challenging phase since a major aircraft incident in Ahmedabad last year. Following its acquisition from the government as part of the privatisation process, the airline has struggled to achieve financial recovery at the expected pace.
As per reports, Air India is also exploring the option of appointing a new chief executive officer in place of its current CEO Campbell Wilson, whose contract is set to end in mid-2027. It is being indicated that he may not be keen on continuing further, and the transition could take place through mutual consent.
Sources further claim that N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of the Tata Group, has held preliminary discussions with potential CEO candidates who have extensive experience in managing large airline operations.
The proposed management change is reportedly linked to concerns that Air India may miss its break-even target by March 31. The crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner near Ahmedabad in June 2025 dealt a major setback to the airline and its turnaround plans.
In addition, the closure of Pakistani airspace for Indian aircraft has led to longer flight routes and increased operating costs, further impacting Air India’s financial performance.