DGCA Warns Air India, Threatens to Suspend its License Over Repeated and Serious Violations: Reports

New Delhi: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a serious warning to Air India, threatening to suspend or revoke the airline’s license over what it called repeated violations and alarming safety lapses. The development comes in the aftermath of the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad that claimed over 270 lives, including 241 passengers on board. The aircraft crashed into the BJ Medical Hospital building, raising major questions about operational safety and oversight.

According to multiple media reports, the aviation regulator has held Air India responsible for "serious and repeated breaches" in pilot rostering, crew scheduling, and internal monitoring.

Top Air India Officials Removed

In a sharp response earlier on Saturday, the DGCA ordered the immediate removal of three senior officials linked to operational control and crew management. Those removed include:

Choorah Singh, Divisional Vice President of the Integrated Operations Control Centre (IOCC)

Pinky Mittal, Chief Manager-DOPS, Crew Scheduling

Payal Arora, Crew Scheduling-Planning

The DGCA cited “systemic failures in crew scheduling, compliance monitoring, and internal accountability” as the reason for its stern action, stating that these failures may have played a critical role in recent safety breaches.

Air India Responds, Promises Compliance

Reacting to the regulatory crackdown, Air India said it has complied with the directive and removed the three named officials from all crew scheduling-related duties.

“In the interim, the company’s chief operations officer will provide direct oversight to the IOCC,” the airline said in a statement. “Air India is committed to ensuring that there is total adherence to safety protocols and standard practices.”