DGCA Issues Notice to Air India Pilot Over Safety Concerns

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken significant action against an Air India pilot, issuing a show-cause notice due to serious safety concerns linked to flights AI-358 and AI-357. The notice cites issues related to aircraft dispatch and compliance with the Minimum Equipment List (MEL), as well as decision-making by the flight crew amidst repeated technical malfunctions. Additionally, reports of a smoke odor during the operation of AI-358 have raised alarms. This incident follows a previous flight that had to return shortly after takeoff due to technical difficulties. Read on to learn more about the implications of these safety violations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 1, 2026, 12:35 IST

Safety Issues Prompt DGCA Action

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a show-cause notice to a pilot from Air India regarding flights AI-358 and AI-357 due to serious safety concerns. These issues pertain to aircraft dispatch, compliance with the Minimum Equipment List (MEL), and decision-making by the flight crew. The DGCA noted that despite repeated malfunctions and system irregularities, the pilot accepted the aircraft for operation.

Reported Smoke Odor Raises Alarms

Additionally, there were reports of a smoke odor near a door during the operation of flight AI-358. The DGCA's notice highlighted that significant safety concerns arose during the operation of AI-358 and its related flights, particularly regarding aircraft dispatch and adherence to the MEL.

Operational Concerns During Flight AI-358

During the operation of flight AI-358, the crew received advisories related to PACK ACM L and pack mode. Reports indicated a smoke odor near door R2. The notice further stated that there had been repeated failures associated with the same systems in the previous five sectors, indicating a known history of system malfunctions. According to the DGCA, the operational crew of AI-358 accepted the aircraft without adequate information regarding MEL limits, as the status of the lower right recirculation fan on December 28 did not align with MEL 'O' conditions.

Previous Incident Highlights Safety Protocols

On December 22, an Air India flight bound for Mumbai had to return shortly after takeoff from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport due to a technical issue. The pilots of flight AI-887 decided to return as a precaution after detecting a malfunction shortly after departure, adhering to standard operating procedures.