Following the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 in June 2025, which claimed approximately 270 lives, concerns about air safety in India have risen sharply. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India's aviation safety regulator, has responded to these concerns, asserting that India's skies remain safe. However, recent events and audit findings suggest a need for increased vigilance and improvements in safety protocols.
The DGCA maintains that India's accident rate is still lower than the global average. According to Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, the chief of DGCA, India consistently performs better than the world average in terms of accidents per million flights, as tracked by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). He noted that India exceeded the global average in only two years between 2010 and 2024, both of which involved major accidents.
In response to the Air India crash, the DGCA has initiated multiple audits of airlines and airports. These audits cover various aspects, including flight operations, airworthiness, ramp safety, air traffic control, communication, navigation, surveillance systems, and pre-flight medical evaluations. The DGCA has also been closely monitoring ground activities and aircraft movements to check compliance with regulatory requirements and identify areas for improvement.
Several findings from these audits have raised concerns. For instance, the DGCA observed cases where reported defects reappeared on aircraft, indicating ineffective monitoring and inadequate corrective action. In addition, maintenance regulations were not always followed correctly, and issues were found with runway markings and lighting, ground vehicles, and obstruction data at airports. One domestic flight was held due to worn tires, and a flight simulator was not properly configured. The DGCA has communicated these findings to the concerned operators, requiring them to take corrective actions within seven days and has pledged to continue comprehensive surveillance to detect hazards.
Parliamentary committees are also taking a close look at aviation safety. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture are holding meetings with aviation stakeholders to examine lapses and demand accountability. These committees are addressing broader issues such as aging infrastructure, poor emergency response systems, and outdated technology, particularly at regional airports. They are also discussing delays in completing the black box analysis of the Air India crash and the surge in airfares to Srinagar following a terror attack.
The Air India crash has prompted the DGCA to order comprehensive safety inspections of Air India's Boeing 787 fleet. These inspections involve thorough examinations of maintenance records, crew training protocols, and technical systems. While the DGCA initially reported no major safety concerns in its surveillance of Air India's Boeing 787 fleet, it has raised concerns about maintenance-related issues and advised Air India to strengthen internal coordination and ensure the availability of spare parts.
India's aviation sector is experiencing rapid growth, handling over 400 million passengers annually. However, experts warn that infrastructure and safety oversight have not kept pace. Recent incidents, including emergency landings, runway skids, and technical failures, highlight the need for improved compliance, maintenance standards, and operational oversight. The Air India crash has further exposed vulnerabilities within the industry, including potential reputational damage, increased insurance premiums, and a decline in passenger confidence.
