A recent audit by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has revealed a series of alarming safety lapses within India's aviation sector. The findings, stemming from comprehensive surveillance at major airports, expose issues ranging from worn aircraft tires and ineffective repair work to faded runway markings and malfunctioning airport infrastructure. This comes amid growing scrutiny of aviation safety standards in India, particularly after the deadly Air India crash in Ahmedabad earlier this month.
One of the most concerning revelations was the instance of a domestic flight being grounded due to worn tires. The aircraft was only permitted to take off after the tires were replaced. This incident highlights a critical failure in pre-flight checks and maintenance protocols, raising questions about the diligence of safety procedures. The DGCA also found multiple instances of recurring defects on aircraft, indicating that repairs were not being carried out effectively. This suggests a systemic problem with monitoring and rectification processes, potentially compromising the airworthiness of aircraft.
Further compounding safety concerns, the audit uncovered significant issues with airport infrastructure. At one major airport, the center line marking on the runway was found to be faded, and the green center lights on a rapid exit taxiway were not unidirectional. Such deficiencies can pose serious risks to pilots, especially during low-visibility conditions, increasing the risk of runway incursions or accidents. Additionally, the DGCA noted that obstruction limitation data, crucial for safe takeoffs and landings, had not been updated in over three years, despite construction activity near the airport. This negligence could lead to pilots being unaware of potential hazards in their flight path.
Other troubling findings from the DGCA audit include: Ground handling equipment, such as baggage trollies, being unserviceable, Line maintenance stores and tool control procedures not being followed, Work orders not being followed during aircraft maintenance, Unserviceable thrust reverser systems and flap slat levers not being locked during maintenance, Safety precautions not being taken by aircraft maintenance engineers, Defect reports generated by the aircraft system not being recorded in the technical logbook, Several life vests not being properly secured beneath their designated seats. Ramp vehicles lacking speed governors. A simulator used for training did not match actual aircraft configuration and was running outdated software.
In response to these findings, the DGCA has announced that this "process of comprehensive surveillance will continue in [the] future to detect hazards in the system." The regulator has also emphasized that the special audits will be applicable to scheduled, non-scheduled, and private air operators, Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) organizations, Approved Training Organisations (FTOs). The DGCA is adopting a "360-degree" evaluation approach, moving beyond conventional siloed inspections to conduct a data-driven, risk-based, and globally aligned assessment of the aviation ecosystem. Findings from these audits will be classified based on severity and entities audited are required to submit Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) within 15 days of receiving findings. Failure to comply with audit recommendations could attract penalties, suspension of operations, or even license revocation.
These measures underscore the DGCA's commitment to strengthening aviation safety oversight and addressing systemic issues that could compromise passenger safety. The aviation regulator is responsible for regulation of air transport services to/from/within India and for enforcement of civil air regulations, air safety, and airworthiness standards. By identifying and rectifying these lapses, the DGCA aims to enhance the safety and reliability of air travel in India and align with international safety standards and guidelines set forth by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
