New Delhi: India’s civil aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has issued show-cause notices to pilots of Air India over alleged serious safety violations linked to the operation of Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The notices pertain to instances where flights were reportedly operated despite recurring technical issues and multiple system warnings.
According to the DGCA, the action relates to Air India flights operating on the Delhi–Tokyo route. The regulator stated that flight crews continued with operations even after receiving repeated technical alerts. Among the reported concerns was a smell resembling smoke detected near one of the aircraft doors during flight operations, which was flagged through system warnings.
The aviation watchdog noted that despite these alerts, the flights were not grounded immediately, raising concerns over adherence to established safety protocols. The DGCA has treated the matter as a serious issue, citing the potential risks associated with continuing operations under such conditions.
In a separate but related incident involving the same aircraft type, technical problems linked to the heating and cooling systems were reported during a flight. Due to these issues, the aircraft was diverted to Kolkata. The DGCA has taken note of this incident as part of its broader review of the operational handling of the aircraft.
The regulator has pointed out that the aircraft involved in these cases had a history of recurring mechanical problems. These repeated technical snags, combined with continued flight operations, prompted the DGCA to initiate regulatory action against the pilots concerned.
As part of the process, show-cause notices have been served to the pilots, asking them to explain why action should not be taken against them for the alleged safety lapses. The DGCA has directed the pilots to submit their written responses within a period of 14 days.
The notices also include a warning that strict action may follow, depending on the explanations provided and the findings of the regulator’s assessment. The DGCA has emphasised that compliance with safety procedures is non-negotiable, particularly in cases involving repeated system warnings and technical anomalies.
The aviation regulator has been closely monitoring aircraft safety and operational compliance, especially with respect to long-haul international flights. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which is widely used for such routes, has been under increased scrutiny following reports of technical issues in multiple cases.
The DGCA has reiterated that pilots are required to follow standard operating procedures and respond appropriately to system alerts and technical warnings. Any deviation from these procedures, particularly when it involves passenger safety, is viewed as a serious regulatory concern.
While the DGCA has not disclosed further details about the specific pilots or flights involved, it has made clear that the matter is under active examination. The regulator’s focus, it said, is on ensuring that safety standards are strictly enforced and that similar incidents do not recur.
Air India has not issued a public statement in response to the notices at this stage. The outcome of the matter is expected to depend on the pilots’ replies and the regulator’s subsequent evaluation of the explanations submitted.
The DGCA’s action underscores its stance on aviation safety and its intent to take firm measures in cases where operational lapses are identified. Further steps, the regulator indicated, will be determined after reviewing the responses and assessing compliance with safety norms.
