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EASA Flags Safety Lapses In Air India Aircraft, DGCA Increases Oversight Measures

Aviation Today News Desk / March 17, 2026

New Delhi, India: European aviation regulator EASA has raised concerns over safety and maintenance compliance in aircraft operated by Air […]

Mumbai, India: Two commercial aircraft operating at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) were involved in a ground collision involving their wingtips on Tuesday evening, prompting inspections and an immediate probe by aviation authorities. All passengers and crew onboard both flights were unharmed, officials confirmed. The incident occurred at approximately 7:30 pm IST when Air India flight AI 2732, bound for Coimbatore, was taxiing for departure and the IndiGo flight 6E 791 had just landed from Hyderabad and was taxiing toward the terminal. Both aircraft involved were narrow-body Airbus A320s. According to Air India, the right wingtip of its aircraft made contact with the wingtip of the IndiGo aircraft while maneuvering on the taxiway prior to taking off. The airline said the contact resulted in damage to its aircraft’s wingtip, and the aircraft was immediately grounded for technical checks as a precautionary measure. All passengers were safely deplaned, and ground teams began arranging alternative onward travel. IndiGo released a separate statement confirming that the wingtip of its aircraft operating flight 6E 791 touched the wing of another airline’s aircraft while taxiing after landing. The airline said all passengers disembarked safely, and its aircraft is undergoing maintenance inspection in line with standard protocols. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) dispatched a team from its Mumbai office to the site soon after the incident. DGCA officials confirmed both aircraft returned to their respective bays and were taken out of service pending inspection. The regulator has initiated an inquiry to determine the factors leading to the collision, focusing on ground vehicle and aircraft movement controls at the busy international airport. “No injuries have been reported among passengers or crew,” according to civil aviation sources, highlighting that the low-speed nature of the taxiing incident limited the impact to aircraft structures rather than human safety. The airport, which operates parallel runways and heavy traffic movements daily, did not report any significant disruptions to other flights following the incident. Authorities said that routine operations continued while the affected aircraft were inspected.

Incidents

Air India & IndiGo Aircraft Wingtips Collide At Mumbai Airport, No Injuries Reported

Aviation Today News Desk / February 4, 2026

Mumbai, India: Two commercial aircraft operating at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) were involved in a ground collision involving

New Delhi, India: An Air India Boeing 777 operating a domestic flight from Delhi to Mumbai made a precautionary return to Indira Gandhi International Airport shortly after take-off on Monday afternoon after pilots detected an abnormal drop in engine oil pressure, according to airline and official sources. The wide-body aircraft, carrying 335 passengers, was airborne when cockpit indications showed low oil pressure in one of the engines. Following standard operating procedures, the flight crew decided to discontinue the journey and return to Delhi as a safety precaution. Air India confirmed that the aircraft landed safely without incident and that all passengers disembarked normally. There were no injuries reported. Preliminary information indicates that the issue was linked to the aircraft’s right engine. Engineering teams were immediately deployed to inspect the aircraft upon landing, and the plane was taken out of service for technical checks. Passengers were accommodated on alternate flights, while some were offered refunds or rescheduling options, airline officials said. Aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been informed of the incident and is reviewing the technical report submitted by the airline, as per established procedures. Officials emphasized that such turn-backs are precautionary measures designed to ensure flight safety and are not uncommon in commercial aviation.

Incidents

Air India Boeing 777 Makes Precautionary U-turn To Delhi After Engine Oil Alert Issue

Aviation Today News Desk / December 23, 2025

New Delhi, India: An Air India Boeing 777 operating a domestic flight from Delhi to Mumbai made a precautionary return

New Delhi, India: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has grounded an Air India Airbus A320 aircraft and launched a formal investigation after it was found to have operated eight commercial flights without a valid Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC). The lapse was discovered during a routine night‑halt inspection by an engineer, who noticed the aircraft’s ARC had expired. The certificate is mandatory to ensure the aircraft meets maintenance and safety standards before any flight. DGCA officials confirmed the aircraft had flown eight “revenue sectors” on 24–25 November 2025, despite the absence of a valid ARC. Flying without this certificate is considered a serious compliance violation as it directly pertains to flight safety. Following the discovery, DGCA immediately grounded the aircraft and suspended all personnel responsible for approving its release to service pending the outcome of the investigation. The regulator has also instructed Air India to conduct an internal compliance audit to identify systemic gaps and prevent future lapses. In a statement, Air India acknowledged the incident, calling it “regrettable.” The airline said it self-reported the breach to DGCA, suspended the staff involved, and initiated its own internal investigation. It reaffirmed its commitment to strict safety and regulatory compliance. Operating an aircraft without a valid airworthiness certificate poses significant safety risks and could potentially impact insurance coverage for the aircraft, including hull, liability, and passenger insurance. It has been described as a Level‑1 violation, the most serious type of compliance failure concerning aircraft safety standards. The aircraft was part of the former Vistara fleet, which merged with Air India in late 2024. After the merger, DGCA renewed ARCs for 69 of 70 aircraft. The 70th aircraft, which later operated eight sectors, had undergone an engine change, during which its ARC expired. Despite this, it was mistakenly released into service. DGCA’s inquiry will determine whether penalties, fines, or further actions against responsible personnel are warranted. Air India’s internal investigation will also examine systemic compliance gaps and recommend measures to prevent recurrence.

Investigation

DGCA Grounds Air India A320 After Aircraft Operates Eight Flights Without Valid ARC

Aviation Today News Desk / December 3, 2025

New Delhi, India: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has grounded an Air India Airbus A320 aircraft and launched

New Delhi, India: An Air India flight operating from Delhi to Ahmedabad made a precautionary return to the national capital shortly after take-off on Thursday after a smoke indication alert was triggered in the aircraft’s cargo hold. All passengers and crew were safely deboarded, and the alert was later confirmed to be false. The incident involved Flight AI2939, which departed from Indira Gandhi International Airport for Ahmedabad with around 170 people onboard. Moments after take-off, the cockpit crew received a smoke warning from the cargo compartment and immediately followed emergency safety procedures, aborting the climb and turning back to Delhi. The aircraft landed safely without any injuries or technical damage. Air India engineers conducted a detailed inspection after landing and found no trace of smoke or fire, confirming that the alert was a technical false indication. In an official statement, Air India said the flight crew acted strictly as per standard operating procedures and prioritised passenger safety. The airline arranged an alternate aircraft to ferry the affected passengers to Ahmedabad, resulting in a delay of approximately four hours. “Passenger safety is always our top priority. Our ground team ensured immediate assistance and alternative travel arrangements for all passengers,” an Air India spokesperson said, apologising for the inconvenience. A day before the Delhi-Ahmedabad Air India incident, an Air India Express flight from Guwahati to Hyderabad, IX 2884, was cancelled after being delayed for over four hours due to what the airline termed “unforeseen operational reasons.

Incidents

Air India Delhi–Ahmedabad Flight Returns After Smoke Alert, All Passengers Remain Safe

Aviation Today News Desk / November 28, 2025

New Delhi, India: An Air India flight operating from Delhi to Ahmedabad made a precautionary return to the national capital

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia: An Air India Boeing 777 operating flight AI174 from San Francisco to Delhi made a precautionary landing in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, on November 2 after the crew reported a suspected technical malfunction mid-flight. The widebody aircraft, carrying passengers on the long-haul trans-polar route to India, landed safely at Chinggis Khaan International Airport, where it was met by local authorities and ground support. All passengers and crew members were confirmed safe. In an official statement, Air India said, “AI174 from San Francisco to Delhi made a precautionary landing at Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, after the flight crew suspected a technical issue en route. The aircraft landed safely and is undergoing the necessary checks. We are working closely with our partners to support all passengers and ensure their onward journey at the earliest.” Following the diversion, passengers were disembarked and assisted through immigration clearance and hotel accommodation in Ulaanbaatar. The airline has since been coordinating alternative travel arrangements for the stranded travelers to reach Delhi. While the airline has not disclosed the exact nature of the fault, maintenance teams in Mongolia are conducting thorough inspections before the aircraft is cleared for further operations. The incident occurred within hours of another technical snag involving an Air India A320neo operating from Delhi to Bengaluru. The aircraft, carrying 172 passengers, declared a full emergency after a warning indicator was triggered in the cargo hold. The pilot requested an immediate diversion and made an emergency landing at Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal around 8:00 p.m. local time. Emergency response units were deployed on standby. A warning was received in the cargo hold, following which the crew declared an emergency. The aircraft landed safely in Bhopal. All passengers and crew were safe, and checks confirmed the warning was spurious. The airline has not confirmed whether the two issues are related but stated that both events are being reviewed internally.

Incidents

Two Air India Flights Hit Technical Snags Hours Apart; Both Make Safe Landings

Aviation Today News Desk / November 4, 2025

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia: An Air India Boeing 777 operating flight AI174 from San Francisco to Delhi made a precautionary landing in

New Delhi, India: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed Air India to carry out a comprehensive inspection of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) systems across its entire fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners. This action comes after an incident in which the RAT deployed automatically on one of the airline’s aircraft during landing in Birmingham, UK. Boeing has also requested that other 787 operators report any similar occurrences worldwide. The DGCA has specifically instructed Air India to verify the stowage integrity of the RAT in all aircraft where the Power Conditioning Module (PCM) was recently replaced. The Ram Air Turbine serves as an emergency backup system, providing hydraulic and electrical power if the aircraft’s main engines fail. It operates by using the aircraft’s forward motion to spin a small turbine that extends from the fuselage underside. This ensures critical flight control systems and avionics remain operational during emergencies, such as dual-engine failures or complete electrical system loss. Notably, the RAT deployed during the June 2025 crash of Air India flight AI171 after a dual-engine flameout at Ahmedabad, resulting in the loss of 260 lives. The recent directive stems from an October 4, 2025, incident involving Air India flight AI117, flying from Amritsar (ATQ) to Birmingham (BHX), where the RAT deployed automatically at around 500 feet during descent. The aircraft landed safely, with all electrical and hydraulic systems reportedly functioning normally. According to the DGCA advisory, “Air India has been advised to review the work package of ‘D’ Check for the actions required in view of the change of PCM module, for any discrepancies.” The regulator noted that the RAT is rarely activated during routine operations and is typically reserved for critical failures, making any uncommanded deployment a serious concern. Air India confirmed that despite the unexpected RAT deployment, all onboard systems were stable throughout the flight. Following the incident, the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) requested the DGCA to inspect the electrical systems on all Boeing 787s operating in India. In a letter, FIP President GS Randhawa highlighted that the Aircraft Health Monitoring (AHM) system had detected a fault in the Bus Power Control Unit (BPCU), which could have triggered the RAT deployment. The BPCU is essential for managing electrical power distribution, and any malfunction may activate backup systems. FIP emphasized that this incident points to potential systemic electrical vulnerabilities in the Boeing 787 and called for thorough inspections of all aircraft in the country. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu stated, “The DGCA is already on the job. Once we have more details, we will coordinate with the relevant stakeholders to ensure preventive measures are implemented and such incidents are avoided in the future.” The DGCA has extended its review beyond Air India, requesting Boeing to provide a detailed report on preventive measures and to share information on similar uncommanded RAT deployments globally in recent years. This aims to identify any recurring patterns and enhance the safety protocols of the 787 fleet.

Airlines

DGCA Orders Air India To Reinspect RAT Systems On All 787s After Uncommanded Deploy

Aviation Today News Desk / October 17, 2025

New Delhi, India: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed Air India to carry out a comprehensive inspection

Chennai, India: An Air India flight Airbus 320 operating from Colombo to Chennai was forced to undergo a post-landing inspection on Tuesday after a suspected bird strike during its approach. The Airbus aircraft, carrying 158 passengers, landed safely at Chennai International Airport with no reported injuries. The incident occurred as the aircraft was on its final approach to runway touchdown in Chennai. Although the pilots reported no abnormalities in-flight, maintenance teams later discovered signs of impact damage believed to be from a bird strike. The airline subsequently cancelled the return leg to Colombo as a precautionary measure. Following standard safety procedures, Air India arranged an alternate aircraft to fly 137 passengers to Colombo later the same day. Engineers conducted detailed inspections on the affected aircraft after it was grounded for further assessment. A senior airline official told The New Indian Express that a visible mark was found on one of the engine blades during a detailed post-flight examination. “While there were no indications of mechanical issues during the flight, a precautionary inspection was initiated after landing. The aircraft has been withdrawn from service pending a thorough technical evaluation,” the official said. Initial checks in Colombo had reportedly found no visible damage, and the aircraft had been cleared for its scheduled return to India. However, after arrival in Chennai, maintenance teams noticed the engine impact and immediately grounded the plane for safety verification. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered a detailed inquiry into the incident to determine the sequence of events and assess the inspection process that initially cleared the aircraft in Colombo. Air India, in a statement, said that passenger safety remains its top priority and that it is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.

Incidents

Air India Colombo–Chennai Flight Grounded After Bird Strike, Engine Damage Found

Aviation Today News Desk / October 8, 2025

Chennai, India: An Air India flight Airbus 320 operating from Colombo to Chennai was forced to undergo a post-landing inspection

New Delhi, India: An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating flight AI117 from Amritsar to Birmingham experienced an uncommanded deployment of its Ram Air Turbine (RAT) during final approach on October 4, raising fresh concerns over the safety of the carrier’s widebody fleet. The aircraft, registered VT-ANO, landed safely in Birmingham, though its return service to Delhi was cancelled and the jet was grounded for detailed inspections. India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has launched a probe into the incident. According to officials, all electrical and hydraulic systems remained stable despite the RAT deployment. Routine maintenance checks recommended by Boeing were performed on the aircraft, and no discrepancies were reported. The DGCA has stated that the jet will be cleared to return to service only after thorough inspections are completed. The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) President G S Randhawa has formally written to the DGCA, warning that limiting post-crash inspections to fuel control switches is insufficient. Instead, the group has urged regulators to expand checks to the electrical systems of all Boeing 787 aircraft in India. The FIP highlighted that the aircraft’s Aircraft Health Monitoring (AHM) system flagged a fault in the Bus Power Control Unit (BPCU), which manages the electrical power distribution and may have triggered the RAT deployment. The union stressed that this mirrors deeper systemic issues rather than isolated switch malfunctions.

Incidents

Air India Boeing 787 Experiences Uncommanded RAT Deployment on Approach to Birmingham

Aviation Today News Desk / October 6, 2025

New Delhi, India: An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating flight AI117 from Amritsar to Birmingham experienced an uncommanded deployment

New Delhi, India: Over 200 passengers on board Air India’s Singapore-bound flight from Delhi faced a gruelling night after a cabin cooling failure delayed their departure by nearly six hours, forcing them to deplane and wait in the terminal before a replacement aircraft was arranged. The incident occurred on Flight AI2380, operated with a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which was scheduled to depart Indira Gandhi International Airport at around 11:00 PM on Wednesday night. Shortly after boarding, the aircraft reportedly experienced faults with its air conditioning system and electrical power supply, resulting in rising cabin temperatures. According to passengers, the situation quickly became uncomfortable as the cabin’s temperature climbed. Several travellers shared videos on social media showing people fanning themselves with newspapers and magazines. Some posts described young children and elderly passengers struggling with the heat during the extended wait. Passengers remained inside the aircraft for close to two hours before crew instructed them to disembark and return to the terminal. The decision was taken after engineers determined the issue could not be resolved on the spot. In a statement, Air India acknowledged the disruption, citing a “cabin cooling issue on ground prior to departure” as the cause. The airline said that its ground teams provided regular updates, refreshments, and meals while travellers waited in the terminal. “We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers. The safety and well-being of everyone on board remain our top priority,” the airline said. With the Dreamliner grounded for repairs, Air India deployed a replacement aircraft. The rescheduled flight finally took off at 5:36 AM IST on Thursday, nearly six hours behind schedule.

Incidents

Air India Delhi–Singapore Flight Delayed 6 Hours After On-Ground Cabin Cooling Failure

Aviation Today News Desk / September 12, 2025

New Delhi, India: Over 200 passengers on board Air India’s Singapore-bound flight from Delhi faced a gruelling night after a

air india news

EASA Flags Safety Lapses In Air India Aircraft, DGCA Increases Oversight Measures

Air India & IndiGo Aircraft Wingtips Collide At Mumbai Airport, No Injuries Reported

Air India Boeing 777 Makes Precautionary U-turn To Delhi After Engine Oil Alert Issue

DGCA Grounds Air India A320 After Aircraft Operates Eight Flights Without Valid ARC

Air India Delhi–Ahmedabad Flight Returns After Smoke Alert, All Passengers Remain Safe

Two Air India Flights Hit Technical Snags Hours Apart; Both Make Safe Landings

DGCA Orders Air India To Reinspect RAT Systems On All 787s After Uncommanded Deploy

Air India Colombo–Chennai Flight Grounded After Bird Strike, Engine Damage Found

Air India Boeing 787 Experiences Uncommanded RAT Deployment on Approach to Birmingham

Air India Delhi–Singapore Flight Delayed 6 Hours After On-Ground Cabin Cooling Failure

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