DGCA Cautions Air India for Breaching Flight Duration Regulations
Regulatory Warning Issued to Air India
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has formally warned Air India Limited regarding breaches of flight duration regulations. The aviation authority has urged the airline's management to adhere strictly to safety protocols.
A surprise inspection by the DGCA uncovered that Air India operated two flights (AI133) from Bengaluru to London on May 16 and 17, 2025, which exceeded the maximum allowable flight duration of 10 hours, violating Section 7, Series J, Part III of the Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR).
In the warning letter, the DGCA noted, 'During a spot check, it was found that Air India operated flights AI133 on May 16 and 17, 2025, both of which exceeded the 10-hour maximum flight time mandated under Para 6.1.3 of the Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) Section 7, Series J, Part III, Issue III dated April 24, 2019.'
The regulator also pointed out that the airline's Accountable Manager did not ensure adherence to critical operational guidelines outlined in Annexure III of the CARs. 'It has been observed that the Accountable Manager of M/s Air India Ltd. failed to comply with the requirements specified under Para 1 and Para 2.4 of Annexure III of the CARs, Section 3, Series C, Part II,' the letter stated.
On June 20, 2025, a Show Cause Notice was issued to Air India under the Enforcement Policy and Procedures Manual (EPPM). 'In light of the above, a Show Cause Notice was issued to Air India on June 20, 2025, under the relevant provisions of the Enforcement Policy and Procedures Manual (EPPM) for the noted violations,' the DGCA mentioned in its correspondence.
Upon reviewing the airline's response, the regulator deemed it 'unsatisfactory in addressing the regulatory lapses and deficiencies identified.' 'The reply submitted by Air India in response to the Show Cause Notice has been thoroughly examined and found lacking in addressing the noted regulatory issues.'
Consequently, the Accountable Manager of M/s Air India Ltd. has been warned and advised to exercise utmost diligence in ensuring compliance with the applicable Civil Aviation requirements. In response to the DGCA's warning, an Air India spokesperson stated, 'Air India acknowledges the DGCA letter regarding rostering issues on two long-haul flights reported in mid-May, which arose from a misinterpretation of a permission granted to address border-related airspace closures. This was rectified immediately upon receiving the correct interpretation. Air India remains fully compliant with regulations.'