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Delhi, India: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has raised safety concerns after identifying repeated aircraft defects and operational shortcomings during a recent night-time surveillance drive at major Indian airports. The inspections, carried out between June 19 and 21, 2025, covered multiple airlines operating from Delhi and Mumbai and form part of the regulator’s intensified oversight efforts following a string of safety incidents. Key Findings from the Night Surveillance: According to DGCA’s internal report, the audits uncovered several repeated and unresolved issues across a range of aircraft. The most notable findings include: Recurring technical snags that were neither properly rectified nor reported in the aircraft technical logs, including flap/slat lever issues. Unsecured or missing life vests under passenger seats an infringement of mandatory cabin safety requirements. Defective systems that were carried forward without appropriate corrective maintenance action or recorded deferrals. Inadequate maintenance practices, including improper recording of faults and non-adherence to prescribed engineering protocols. DGCA officials stated that these were not isolated incidents but recurring issues that had not been systematically addressed by the airlines concerned. Operational Oversight Gaps The surveillance also revealed gaps in standard operating procedures (SOPs), particularly with respect to turnaround maintenance and documentation. In several instances, snags logged in the cockpit were not matched with engineering follow-up in the technical documentation, pointing to communication lapses between flight crews and ground staff. The findings suggest that some airlines may be failing to follow up with required engineering assessments during night halts, when regular supervision is typically reduced. Corrective Measures Mandated The DGCA has issued formal directives to the operators whose aircraft were inspected. These include: Immediate resolution of all noted discrepancies. Submission of action-taken reports within seven days. Review and reinforcement of night-time maintenance protocols. Re-training of engineering staff and line maintenance personnel where necessary. In a statement, the DGCA reiterated its “zero-tolerance approach” toward operational non-compliance and emphasized that failure to address the issues may attract further regulatory action, including penalties or suspension of aircraft operations. Background and Context The night-time audits were launched as part of a broader response to mounting concerns over flight safety, especially in the wake of the catastrophic crash of Air India Flight AI171 on June 12, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of more than 240 passengers and crew. The incident has prompted renewed scrutiny of aircraft airworthiness, regulatory compliance, and safety oversight across Indian aviation. These latest inspections are part of a broader, nationwide surveillance campaign initiated by the DGCA to enhance flight safety standards. The campaign includes random night audits, pre-flight checks, and focused inspections on crew duty times and aircraft logbook records. The aviation regulator has indicated that such inspections will now be conducted more frequently, particularly during non-peak hours when traditional monitoring tends to lapse. Airlines have been urged to strengthen internal compliance and ensure that all safety equipment, engineering checks, and log entries are maintained in line with regulatory expectations. The DGCA is expected to release a detailed summary of the audit outcomes later this month.

Night-Time DGCA Audits Expose Gaps in Aircraft Maintenance, Safety Protocols Violated

Aviation Today News Desk / June 27, 2025

Delhi, India: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has raised safety concerns after identifying repeated aircraft defects and operational […]

Bengaluru, India: In a significant milestone for India’s newest airline, Akasa Air has officially inducted its 29th aircraft into its growing fleet. The new Boeing 737 MAX 8-200, bearing the registration VT-YBG, landed at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport on Sunday. Akasa Air, which began operations in August 2022, has now reached 29 aircraft in less than three years of commercial service. This addition underscores the airline’s accelerated fleet expansion plan, which aims to double its current capacity in the next two years. The latest aircraft is part of Akasa’s large order book of over 200 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, including both the MAX 8 and the high-density MAX 8-200 variants. The MAX 8-200 aircraft offer increased seating and fuel efficiency, enabling the airline to improve operating economics while maintaining passenger comfort. The airline’s operations team and ground staff welcomed the aircraft with customary water cannon salutes and internal handover protocols. Akasa officials stated that this induction not only marks a numeric achievement but also aligns with the airline’s strategy to increase route frequency and add new destinations across India and abroad. The fleet expansion is crucial to accommodate the rising passenger demand, particularly as the aviation sector sees strong recovery and growth across Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities. Alongside its growing fleet, Akasa is actively preparing for operations out of the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. The airline’s leadership, including CEO Vinay Dube, confirmed that Akasa plans to operate up to 50 daily departures from the new airport once it becomes operational. Initial schedules are expected to include around 15 domestic and international flights. This move is seen as part of Akasa’s long-term strategy to diversify airport bases and serve emerging passenger corridors beyond existing metros. With consistent aircraft deliveries and a focused route network strategy, Akasa Air continues to position itself as a major player in the Indian aviation sector.

Airlines

Akasa Air Receives 29th Boeing 737 MAX, Plans 50 Daily Flights from Navi Mumbai Airport

Aviation Today News Desk / June 10, 2025

Picture Credits: Akasa Air Bengaluru, India: In a significant milestone for India’s newest airline, Akasa Air has officially inducted its

Akasa Air, India, Indian Airlines, Indian Aviation

Akasa Air Crosses 17M Passengers and 100K Flights in 3 Years, Expands Global Reach

Aviation Today News Desk / April 23, 2025

Picture Credits: Akasa Air Mumbai, INDIA: Since commencing operations in August 2022, Akasa Air has marked several significant milestones, demonstrating

Akasa Air is experiencing operational difficulties due to Boeing’s delayed aircraft deliveries, leaving hundreds of its pilots without work | Aviation Today

Boeing, Indian Airlines

Boeing Delays Leave 310 Akasa Air Pilots Waiting, Disrupting Expansion Plans

Aviation Today News Desk / March 25, 2025

Picture credits: Akasa Air India: Akasa Air is experiencing operational difficulties due to Boeing’s delayed aircraft deliveries, leaving a significant

India: Akasa Air has raised significant concerns regarding the allocation of bilateral flying rights to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The airline argues that the current distribution of these rights creates an unequal playing field, depriving it of a fair opportunity to compete with established players such as Air India and IndiGo | Aviation Today

Indian Airlines

Akasa Air Raises Concerns Over UAE Traffic Rights in a Letter to Government

Aviation Today News Desk / January 31, 2025

Picture credits: Akasa Air India: Akasa Air has raised significant concerns regarding the allocation of bilateral flying rights to the

DGCA suspends 2 Akasa Air officials for six months after an audit revealed failure to follow RNP approaches, compromising aviation safety | Aviation Today

Airlines, Indian Airlines

Akasa Air Officials Suspended by DGCA for Pilot Training Violations

Aviation Today News Desk / December 28, 2024

Image source: Airlines Inform India: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has suspended two senior officials of Akasa Air

Akasa Air

Night-Time DGCA Audits Expose Gaps in Aircraft Maintenance, Safety Protocols Violated

Akasa Air Receives 29th Boeing 737 MAX, Plans 50 Daily Flights from Navi Mumbai Airport

Akasa Air Crosses 17M Passengers and 100K Flights in 3 Years, Expands Global Reach

Boeing Delays Leave 310 Akasa Air Pilots Waiting, Disrupting Expansion Plans

Akasa Air Raises Concerns Over UAE Traffic Rights in a Letter to Government

Akasa Air Officials Suspended by DGCA for Pilot Training Violations

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