DGCA finds 263 safety lapses in audits of various airlines; assures flyers that higher lapse count ‘entirely normal' for large carriers

Indian Express

5 days ago

Aviation safety regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) found 263 safety-related lapses across various operators in their annual audits, but underscored that that higher number of lapses—particularly in the case of airlines with extensive networks and large aircraft fleets—is 'entirely normal' given the breadth and depth of their operations rather than any unusual lapse. The regulator also reassured flyers that the audits and consequent corrective action by airlines are robust processes and the presence of such findings is a 'testament to active regulatory oversight'.
'The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), as part of its continuous oversight responsibilities, conducts audits that are an essential instrument to identify and use them for potential improvements. Based on ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) requirements and global best practices, these audits are needed to enhance the safety of operations and ensure compliance, and continuous improvement across all facets of airline operations. These audits findings aid in areas requiring improvement. This is as per Annual Surveillance Plan (ASP) under Safety Oversight Programme,' the DGCA said in a release.
Some of the audits happened close to the tragic crash of Air India flight AI 171 in Ahmedabad on June 12, but were not related to the disaster in which 260 persons perished.
According to data released by the regulator on Wednesday, government-owned regional airline Alliance Air topped the list with 57 lapses, followed by Air India with 51 findings, regional airline Star Air with 41 findings, cargo airline QuickJet with 35 findings, Air India Express with 25 findings, IndiGo with 23 findings, Vistara—now merged with Air India—with 17 lapses, and SpiceJet with 14 lapses. Akasa Air's audit process is yet to be completed, it is understood. The lapses have been categorised into level one and level two findings. Of the total 263 findings, 19 were categorised as level one findings, or relatively more serious lapses. Vistara, Air India, and Air India Express had 10, seven, and two level one findings, respectively.
'It should be emphasized that, for airlines with extensive operations and large fleet sizes, a higher number of audit findings is entirely normal. The quantum and scale of their activities mean that such observations reflect the breadth and depth of their operations rather than any unusual lapse. Globally, aviation regulators routinely encounter similar patterns with major carriers due to the diversity and intensity of their undertakings,' the regulator said.
IndiGo is the country's largest airline, with a domestic market share of around 65 per cent, followed by the Air India group—Air India and Air India Express, with a share of around 30 per cent. In the medium- and long-haul international segment, Air India is the country's biggest airline, as IndiGo has very limited presence in that segment.
Upon completion of the audit, the relevant airlines are formally notified and are required to submit timely compliance and corrective action taken reports to the DGCA. The regulator closely monitors these responses and ensures that all necessary measures are taken to maintain and enhance safety standards.
'The DGCA reassures the travelling public that these processes are robust and that the presence of such findings is a testament to active regulatory oversight. Our commitment to safety, transparency, and continuous improvement remains paramount across the
Indian aviation industry,' the regulator said.