In the wake of the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a risk-based framework for comprehensive safety audits to reinforce aviation safety standards across India. The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff, killing all but one of the 242 people on board, along with dozens on the ground. The incident has prompted increased scrutiny of existing safety protocols and a commitment to overhaul the country's safety mechanisms.
The new framework for "Comprehensive Special Audits" aims to provide a 360-degree evaluation of the aviation ecosystem by transcending existing siloed assessments. It seeks to proactively identify systemic vulnerabilities, enhance resilience, and ensure strict adherence to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)'s Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) and India's national aviation objectives. The framework is effective immediately and will be reviewed annually to ensure its relevance and responsiveness to the evolving needs of the aviation sector.
The comprehensive audit covers a wide array of aviation entities, including: * Scheduled and non-scheduled airlines * Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) organizations * Flying Training Organisations (FTOs) * Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) * Ground Handling Agencies (GHAs) * Aerodrome operators
The audits will focus on key areas such as Safety Management Systems (SMS), operational efficiency, adherence to regulatory frameworks, and crew and resource management protocols. The DGCA has deployed multidisciplinary audit teams, led by senior officials and supported by subject matter experts from various aviation domains. These teams will conduct rigorous inspections using a methodology that combines physical facility inspections, document reviews, personnel interviews, simulation assessments, and ramp checks at airports. The audit process unfolds in three stages: a pre-audit phase (5-7 days), an on-site audit (3-5 days), and a post-audit period (10-15 days) for analysis and follow-up.
Findings from the audits will be classified based on severity: Level 1 for immediate safety risks, Level 2 for significant but non-critical issues, and a third category for long-term observations. Entities audited are required to submit Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) within 15 days of receiving findings. The DGCA will closely monitor the implementation of these plans. Failure to comply with audit recommendations could attract penalties, suspension of operations, or even license revocation, in line with the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024.
The DGCA's initiative is aligned with international benchmarks, including ICAO's Annexe 19, Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP), the Global Aviation Safety Plan (GASP), and the ICAO Asia Pacific Regional Aviation Safety Plan (AP-RASP). The audits will also encompass supporting elements like technology providers, emergency response systems, supply chain networks, and regulatory coordination bodies.
This new framework is a significant step towards a more integrated and proactive approach to aviation safety oversight in India. By moving away from traditional, siloed assessments and embracing a data-driven, risk-based methodology, the DGCA aims to identify and address potential vulnerabilities before they can lead to accidents. The success of this initiative will depend on the cooperation of all stakeholders and a commitment to continuous improvement in safety practices across the aviation sector.
