DGCA fines Air India Rs 1 crore for flying plane without valid certificate; orders removal of some post holders
Times of India
by SAURABH SINHAFebruary 13, 2026
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The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has imposed a Rs 1 crore fine on Air India for operating an aircraft without a valid airworthiness review certificate (ARC), a serious safety lapse. The regulator also ordered the removal of certain engineering staff responsible for the oversight, which it described as a significant breach of safety protocols. This decision comes after Air India admitted to flying one of its Airbus A320 aircraft on eight revenue sectors without the required ARC, which was expired and had not been renewed.
The issue arose in 2025 when DGCA discovered that an Airbus A320 operated by Air India had been flown without a valid ARC. The certificate was supposed to be renewed following an internal review process, but one aircraft was overlooked during this exercise. Despite being grounded for engine repairs, the aircraft was put back into service without completing the necessary checks and certifications. DGCA characterized this as a blatant disregard for safety standards and a failure of corporate responsibility.
In response, Air India acknowledged the lapse and stated that all gaps had been addressed. The company initiated an internal investigation to identify systemic deficiencies and implement corrective measures to prevent future occurrences. However, DGCA emphasized that such lapses erode public trust and undermine aviation safety, leading to the hefty fine and accountability measures.
This incident underscores the critical importance of adhering to airworthiness standards in the aviation industry. While Air India has taken steps to rectify the issue, the penalty highlights the stringent regulatory oversight required to maintain passenger safety. The case also raises questions about the airline's internal processes and their ability to meet global aviation standards.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/13/2026