DGCA audit uncovers safety lapses at Indian airlines, airports post-crash

A special audit by India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), launched after the tragic Air India flight AI171 crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, which killed 271 people, has exposed critical safety lapses across airlines and major airports like Mumbai and Delhi. The DGCA identified worn aircraft tires halting takeoffs, faded runway markings risking visibility, and recurring defects due to inadequate maintenance checks, signaling systemic oversight failures. Other issues include unsecured life vests, outdated flight simulators, and unserviceable ground equipment like baggage trolleys. The audit, conducted to align with International Civil Aviation Organization standards, also flagged violations in ramp vehicle operations and inconsistent maintenance safety protocols. Airlines and airports have been given seven days to address these deficiencies, with the DGCA warning of strict actions like license suspensions for non-compliance. This national aviation crisis, sparked by a local tragedy, underscores global concerns about safety standards in India’s rapidly growing airline industry, prompting calls for robust reforms.