Air India Show‑Cause Notice Sparks Safety Alarm & Crew Purge

Air India Show‑Cause Notice was issued by the DGCA after it discovered that two flights exceeded the regulated flight time limit, triggering a major safety and compliance review. This notice marks a significant escalation in oversight as the regulator also ordered the removal of three rostering officials for repeated violations—right in the aftermath of the AI171 tragedy.

Air India assures full compliance after regulator's warning"

    

Flight-Time Breach Details

On May 16 and May 17, 2025, Air India operated two long-haul international flights—Flight A|133 from Bangalore to London—which both exceeded the maximum permissible flight time limit of 10 hours, a serious violation under the Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) Section 7, Series J, Part III, Paragraph 6.1.3. As per India’s aviation safety norms, this limit is crucial to ensure crew fatigue management and overall operational safety. In response, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a formal Show-Cause Notice to the Accountable Manager of Air India, asking for a detailed explanation within seven days. The notice warns that if the airline fails to respond in time, the matter will be decided ex-parte, meaning the DGCA could proceed with disciplinary or regulatory action based solely on the evidence already on record. The potential actions could include fines, license suspension, or other legal steps under Aircraft Rules and Civil Aviation Requirements. This situation reflects a significant lapse in compliance and operational oversight by the airline, particularly in the sensitive domain of international flight safety.

Rostering Violations Trigger Crew Purge

Simultaneously, following repeated compliance failures, the DGCA ordered the removal of three staffers handling crew rostering. The airline must reassign these individuals to non-operational roles and initiate internal disciplinary proceedings. If further violations occur post-audit, the Air India Show‑Cause Notice framework allows for license suspensions or revocation of operating permissions.

DGCA Cracks Down: Air India Violated 10-Hour Flight Time Rule Twice

Airline’s Swift Response

Acknowledging the Air India Show‑Cause Notice, the airline has implemented the DGCA’s directives. The Chief Operating Officer now directly oversees the Integrated Operations Control Centre to ensure strict compliance with flight-time rules and crew rostering standards. Air India Show‑Cause Notice marks a pivot toward more accountable and transparent control.

AI171 Crash and Heightened Scrutiny

Just a day prior, CEO Campbell Wilson reassured stakeholders that the Boeing 787 fleet remains safe following the AI171 accident. He emphasized transparency, saying that Tata Group and the carrier will support the affected families, even as the Air India Show‑Cause Notice brings operational shortcomings under fresh scrutiny.

Why the Show‑Cause Notice Matters

The Air India Show-Cause Notice is significant because it highlights the urgent need for regulatory compliance, reminding airlines that adherence to safety rules is not optional. It acts as a wake-up call following recent incidents, urging carriers to reassess their operational procedures to restore public confidence. With the Chief Operating Officer now directly overseeing compliance, the notice also promotes corporate accountability and stronger internal governance. Additionally, it reflects the DGCA’s increasing vigilance and willingness to act decisively against repeated violations, sending a clear message that safety breaches will not be tolerated.

What Comes Next?

Under the Air India Show-Cause Notice, the airline has been given a seven-day deadline to submit a detailed explanation and corrective action plan to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), failing which enforcement action may be taken. Meanwhile, the three removed rostering officials await the outcome of internal disciplinary proceedings and may be reassigned to non-operational roles, without involvement in safety or compliance tasks until further notice. The DGCA has also indicated that future audits will be crucial in determining whether Air India maintains compliance, and any further violations could lead to stricter penalties, including license suspension or withdrawal of operating permissions.

The Air India Show‑Cause Notice acts as a wake-up call for the airline industry. Occurring amid fleet safety checks and post-accident introspection, it emphasizes that flight operations and crew management must meet regulatory standards. As Air India adapts to the directives, the larger test will be sustaining compliance beyond the notice’s immediate response window.

Source | Ani