The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has imposed a huge fine of Rs 1 crore on Tata Group airline Air India. This action has been taken for ignoring safety rules. The investigation revealed that the airline operated a passenger aircraft without a valid ‘Airworthiness Review Certificate’ (ARC). If you understand in simple language, the certificate of necessary safety inspection of the aircraft had expired, but still it was flown with passengers not once or twice but 8 times. This matter is related to the safety of passengers, regarding which the regulator has shown strictness.
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When and where did this negligence happen?
This incident happened last year in November 2025, the information and decision of which has now come out in February 2026. According to reports, on November 24 and 25, Air India flew flights with an Airbus A320 aircraft. This aircraft was previously part of the Vistara airline fleet.
Surprisingly, the safety license of the aircraft had expired during maintenance. According to the rules, the aircraft could not be taken into the air without getting it renewed. Despite this, this aircraft traveled with passengers between big cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Hyderabad. DGCA has considered this as a crime of the highest level (Level 10) because it is a matter directly related to the lives of people.
What punishment has DGCA given?
In view of this major security lapse, DGCA has taken strict action and reprimanded the airline. According to the order, the airline will have to deposit this fine within 30 days. Some major actions taken in this case are as follows:
Fine of Rs 1 crore: Air India will have to pay Rs 1 crore (about $110,350).
Blame the officials: Two senior officials of the airline, who were responsible for aircraft maintenance (CAMO), have been suspended.
CEO Responsibilities: In the order, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson has also been held responsible for this negligence.
Airline’s response: Air India has said that it itself informed about this mistake and has now rectified its shortcomings.
