New Delhi, November 3 - In a shocking revelation that has sent ripples through India's aviation sector, two Air India pilots have been grounded amid allegations of operating commercial flights without mandatory license requirements, prompting an urgent DGCA probe into potential safety lapses. The incidents, uncovered during routine internal audits last month, involve a senior captain and a co-pilot on Airbus A320 aircraft, highlighting ongoing challenges in airline compliance and crew scheduling. As Air India, under Tata Group ownership, grapples with its post-merger transformation, this episode underscores the critical importance of rigorous DGCA regulations to safeguard passenger safety in one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets.
The first lapse centers on the senior captain, who commanded an A320 flight despite an expired English Language Proficiency (ELP) certificate, a non-negotiable DGCA-mandated endorsement ensuring pilots can communicate effectively in high-stakes international operations. ELP validity, typically lasting three to six years based on proficiency levels, is a cornerstone of global aviation standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and its oversight failure raises red flags about Air India's rostering protocols. In the second case, the co-pilot flew without completing the required corrective training after failing a bi-annual Pilot Proficiency Check (PPC) for instrument rating, a test designed to verify skills in low-visibility conditions. Air India swiftly off-rostered both pilots and involved the crew scheduler upon detection, initiating disciplinary actions and reporting the breaches to the regulator, as confirmed in statements to media outlets.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a comprehensive investigation, demanding detailed reports from the airline on these license violations and their systemic roots. This probe echoes a June 2025 reprimand following the tragic Ahmedabad crash of Air India Flight 171, where the DGCA identified "systemic failures" in scheduling, including ignored licensing, rest, and recency norms, leading to the removal of three senior officials. Aviation experts warn that such recurring DGCA aviation safety concerns could erode public trust, especially as Air India expands its fleet and routes amid intense competition from IndiGo and international carriers. The regulator's scrutiny now extends to broader oversight mechanisms, with potential fines, license suspensions, or operational restrictions looming if deeper flaws are unearthed.
As the DGCA probe unfolds, Air India's response, emphasizing internal training enhancements and tech-driven compliance tools, aims to restore confidence in its operations. For passengers navigating India's bustling skies, these events serve as a stark reminder of the invisible safeguards upholding every takeoff and landing. With the aviation industry projected to double in size by 2030, bolstering DGCA enforcement and airline accountability will be pivotal to preventing future license lapses and ensuring skies remain safe for all.