Air India Targeted: DGCA Launches Safety Audit Following Ahmedabad Accident

India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a comprehensive safety audit of Air India, triggered by the deadly Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, which claimed 271 lives.

Why the Audit Was Ordered

The crash of Air India Flight AI-982 shocked the nation. Early reports point to operational lapses and possible crew mismanagement. In response, the DGCA announced an urgent audit from June 24 to 26 across Air India’s main operational hubs.

What the Audit Will Cover

The DGCA audit will investigate:

• Flight operations and SOP adherence
• Pilot duty hours and crew fatigue management
• Cabin safety and emergency preparedness
• Maintenance records and technical inspections
• Training and simulator usage records

DGCA’s Previous Warnings to Air India

Even before the June crash, DGCA had flagged:

• Irregularities in cabin crew rostering
• Concerns over pilot rest periods and flight-hour limits
• Non-compliance with mandatory reporting protocols

Three senior officials were removed from duty last month after repeated non-compliance warnings.

Air India’s Response

Air India stated that it:

• Welcomes the audit
• Will fully cooperate with DGCA
• Has initiated an internal review of its operational protocols

The airline also offered financial assistance and counseling support to victims’ families.

Implications for Indian Aviation

• The incident raises concerns about oversight of privatized carriers
• Could trigger audits for other airlines (e.g., IndiGo, Akasa)
• Might lead to stricter enforcement of safety protocols across all carriers