Air India Faces Scrutiny After Safety Lapses: Flights Operated with Uninspected Emergency Slides
New Delhi – India's aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has issued a strong warning to Air India following the discovery of serious safety lapses involving three of its Airbus aircraft. The incident has sparked concerns over the airline's adherence to crucial safety protocols and its responsiveness to addressing potential hazards.
The DGCA’s investigation revealed that three Air India planes were operated despite being overdue for mandatory checks on their emergency escape slides. These slides are vital safety equipment, designed to rapidly evacuate passengers in the event of an emergency. Failing to inspect and maintain them properly represents a significant risk to passenger safety.
According to sources, the issue stemmed from a backlog in routine maintenance checks. While the exact reasons for the delay are still under investigation, the DGCA has criticized Air India for the slow pace at which the problem was identified and rectified. The regulator expressed concerns that the airline's internal processes for monitoring and ensuring the timely completion of safety checks were inadequate.
“We have taken serious note of this matter and have issued a strong warning to Air India,” a DGCA spokesperson stated. “The safety of passengers is our top priority, and we will not tolerate any compromise on safety standards. Air India has been directed to take immediate corrective actions to prevent such incidents from recurring.”
Air India has acknowledged the DGCA's concerns and has pledged to implement measures to strengthen its maintenance procedures. The airline has stated that it is conducting a thorough review of its internal processes and will work closely with the DGCA to ensure full compliance with all safety regulations. They are also reportedly accelerating the completion of overdue checks and reinforcing training for maintenance personnel.
This incident comes at a challenging time for Air India, which is undergoing a significant restructuring process after being acquired by the Tata Group. The airline is striving to improve its operational efficiency and enhance its reputation for safety. This recent lapse, however, highlights the ongoing challenges it faces in meeting these goals.
Industry experts emphasize the critical importance of rigorous maintenance schedules and robust oversight in the aviation sector. They warn that even seemingly minor deviations from safety protocols can have serious consequences. The DGCA’s intervention serves as a reminder of the need for constant vigilance and a proactive approach to safety management within Air India and across the entire Indian aviation industry.
The DGCA has indicated that it will continue to monitor Air India's progress closely and may take further action if necessary to ensure that the airline adheres to the highest safety standards.
Further investigations are underway to determine the full extent of the issue and to identify any systemic problems within Air India’s maintenance operations.
