The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has served four show-cause notices to Air India for over 29 safety violations. These notices were issued in response to repeated violations of cabin crew deployment, training lapses, rest regulations, and operational oversight, all of which compromise flight safety. The DGCA has given Air India 14-15 days to respond to the notices, and has stated that it will proceed with enforcement action based on available evidence if Air India fails to reply.

One of the notices was based on Air India's voluntary disclosure dated June 20, which revealed that the airline operated four ultra long-range flights in April and May with fewer cabin crew members than the regulatory minimum of 15. The other notices were issued following the airline's voluntary reporting of violations on June 20 and 21. These violations relate to operational procedures, cabin crew training rules, and crew rest and duty norms. Specifically, the violation of rules relating to the crew's duty and rest period was in connection with flights operated on June 24, 2024, and June 15, 2025. Another notice was issued following a voluntary disclosure on June 21 that reported three violations in cabin crew training and operational procedures related to flights on December 1, April 10 and 11, 2024, and May 16 and 19, 2025. In all, Air India reported 25 violations of norms.

Air India has acknowledged receipt of the notices and stated that it will respond within the stipulated two-week period. The airline affirmed its commitment to the safety of its crew and passengers.

The DGCA's action against Air India suggests a focus on maintaining safety standards within the aviation industry. Recent DGCA data indicates that Air India (including the now-merged Vistara) and Air India Express recorded 93 audit findings over the past year, including 19 level-1 violations, which are considered critical safety risks requiring immediate corrective action. Overall, DGCA audits of eight domestic airlines over the same period uncovered 263 safety lapses, some of which needed urgent fixes.

In a separate incident, the DGCA warned Air India's CEO, Campbell Wilson, after deeming the airline's explanation unsatisfactory regarding flight duty time violations on two long-haul flights in May. The regulator found that these flights, between Bengaluru and London on May 16 and 17, exceeded the permissible 10-hour duty limit. The DGCA had issued a show-cause notice to Air India in June, asking the airline to explain within seven days why action should not be taken for breaching flight duty time limitations (FDTL). However, after reviewing Air India's reply, the regulator concluded that it did not adequately address the lapses. The DGCA has advised the Accountable Manager of Air India to exercise utmost diligence and responsibility in ensuring strict compliance with the applicable Civil Aviation requirements. Air India attributed the issue to a misinterpretation of airspace closure permissions and stated that the issue was corrected immediately after the right interpretation was conveyed.

These actions by the DGCA highlight the importance of adhering to safety regulations and maintaining operational standards in the aviation industry.