Aviation Authority Directs Removal of Three Air India Officials for Crew Rostering Issues⚠️

DGCA Orders Air India to Remove Officials Over Crew Scheduling Failures✈️

Mumbai: In a decisive move, India’s aviation safety regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has directed Tata Group-owned Air India to remove three of its top officials — including a divisional vice president — from all duties related to crew scheduling and rostering due to serious operational lapses.

DGCA’s Directive and Immediate Action🚨

According to its June 20 order, the DGCA has not only instructed immediate removal of the officials but also demanded swift disciplinary action against them. These measures follow the airline’s voluntary disclosure of repeated and serious violations concerning crew scheduling protocols.

Air India Responds📄

Air India confirmed its compliance with the regulator’s instructions, stating:

“In the interim, the company’s Chief Operations Officer will directly oversee the Integrated Operations Control Centre (IOCC). Air India remains fully committed to adhering to all safety protocols and standard practices.”

Root Cause: Systemic Failures in Crew Scheduling🔍

The violations were uncovered during a review following Air India’s transition from the ARMS (Air Route Management System) to the CAE Flight and Crew Management System. While the airline’s transparency was acknowledged, the DGCA flagged systemic failures in compliance monitoring and internal accountability.

What Went Wrong?⚠️

• Unauthorized and non-compliant crew pairings
• Violations of mandatory licensing and recency norms
• Lack of oversight in scheduling and internal controls

The DGCA emphasized that such failures reflect poorly on the airline’s safety culture, and stressed that the airline must take stronger disciplinary actions against those responsible.

DGCA’s Warning to Air India📢

The regulator has made it clear: Any future breaches will lead to serious consequences, including suspension of licenses and operational restrictions. The message is loud and clear — safety cannot be compromised.

Recent Tragedy Adds Pressure💥

This action comes amid heightened scrutiny following the crash of Air India flight AI-171 on June 12. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route to London with 242 people onboard, crashed in Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff, hitting a medical complex. The tragic incident claimed nearly all lives onboard and 29 others on the ground, intensifying the spotlight on Air India’s safety protocols.

Final Thoughts✍️

As Air India navigates these turbulent times, both the public and the regulator will be closely watching its next steps. Ensuring air safety is not just a regulatory checkbox — it is a moral responsibility. 🛡️