The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has levied a fine of USD 110,350 (around ₹1 crore) on Air India for operating an Airbus A320 on eight flights between Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad on November 24-25 without a valid Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC). The ARC is a mandatory annual certification confirming that an aircraft meets all safety and regulatory standards.
The penalty highlights concerns about public confidence and compliance culture in the airline, which has faced intensified scrutiny following the June 2025 Boeing Dreamliner crash at Ahmedabad airport that claimed 260 lives. DGCA’s confidential order noted that the accountable manager, CEO Campbell Wilson, was found blameworthy for systemic lapses in operational oversight.
Air India stated that the incident, voluntarily reported in 2025, has been fully addressed, with all gaps rectified. An internal investigation identified failures in standard operating procedures by pilots and highlighted the urgent need to strengthen the airline’s compliance culture.
This fine comes amid other recent DGCA warnings to Air India, including lapses in emergency equipment checks and audit compliance. Regulators emphasized the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols to restore public trust in the airline. The airline has been directed to deposit the fine within 30 days.
The episode underscores how regulatory vigilance, transparency, and internal accountability are critical in maintaining safety standards in India’s aviation sector, especially for carriers with a high public profile.
