New Delhi: India’s aviation regulator has imposed a hefty penalty of ₹1 crore on Air India after finding that one of its Airbus A320 aircraft operated several flights without holding a valid airworthiness clearance. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) described the lapse as a serious breach of safety regulations and held the airline’s senior management accountable.
According to the regulator, the aircraft flew across multiple domestic routes, including New Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, during late November last year without a mandatory Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC). This certificate is an essential yearly approval confirming that an aircraft meets all safety and regulatory checks required for operation.
Officials reportedly viewed the incident with concern, citing what they called a casual approach toward compliance. Operating an aircraft without the required certification is considered a major violation under aviation safety norms.
Responding to the order, Air India stated that the issue had already been voluntarily reported by the airline in 2025. The airline added that corrective actions had been implemented and shared with authorities, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining strict operational safety standards.
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The development adds to Air India’s ongoing operational and financial challenges following recent setbacks, including the Ahmedabad crash last year and difficulties in achieving its turnaround targets after privatization. Industry reports also suggest that the company is exploring leadership changes, with discussions underway regarding a potential successor for current CEO Campbell Wilson.
Operational hurdles such as increased costs due to airspace restrictions and route diversions have also affected the airline’s performance. Despite these challenges, Air India continues to focus on strengthening compliance and rebuilding passenger confidence as part of its long-term revival strategy.