Recent safety oversight inspections of Turkish Airlines flights in India have revealed significant lapses, including the alleged undisclosed carriage of explosives. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) conducted surprise checks on the airline's passenger and cargo flights at Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru airports between May 29 and June 2, 2025, prompting a warning for the airline to comply with all safety regulations.
The DGCA's inspections, termed "safety oversight and ramp (SOFA/RAMP)" inspections, uncovered several violations. According to a statement from the aviation ministry, the cargo on one flight contained dangerous goods classified as explosives, for which prior permission from the DGCA is mandatory. This permission was not obtained, and the presence of the explosives was not declared in the dangerous goods declaration, raising serious concerns about regulatory compliance and safety protocols. The DGCA has emphasized its commitment to continuous safety oversight and will conduct follow-up inspections as necessary.
In addition to the undeclared explosives, the inspections revealed other procedural irregularities. At Bengaluru airport, the marshaller responsible for ground operations lacked proper authorization and a valid competency card. Furthermore, the aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) was not present during the arrival procedure; instead, a technician carried out the duties. It was also found that there was no service level agreement in place between Turkish Airlines and its ground handling agent (GHA). These findings highlight potential systemic issues in the airline's ground operations and maintenance procedures.
The DGCA has taken a firm stance, emphasizing that Turkish Airlines must adhere to all rules and regulations while operating within Indian airspace. The regulator's proactive approach underscores the importance of maintaining stringent safety standards for all foreign operators. The ongoing scrutiny of Turkish Airlines' operations in India reflects a broader commitment to ensuring passenger safety and regulatory compliance within the aviation industry. Further investigations and stricter enforcement are expected to follow, with the DGCA closely monitoring the airline's adherence to safety protocols in the coming weeks and months.
