India's aviation safety regulator has grounded an Air India aircraft and launched a formal investigation after the airline operated the jet on eight commercial flights without a valid safety certificate.
Serious Safety Breach Under Investigation
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed it has opened a probe and removed multiple staff members from duty while it examines the oversight failure. The incident involves an Airbus A320, registered VT-TQN, which previously flew for Vistara before its merger with Air India.
An airworthiness review certificate (ARC) is a critical document renewed annually. It confirms an aircraft's maintenance records, physical condition, and regulatory compliance. Operating a commercial flight without this certificate is a major offence under Indian aviation law.
How the Lapse Occurred
According to the regulator, the aircraft's certificate expired while it was undergoing an engine replacement. The jet was inadvertently returned to service after the maintenance work was completed.
The A320 subsequently operated eight flights on 24 and 25 November before an engineer identified the missing documentation during routine checks. Flight-tracking data confirms the aircraft's last flight was on 25 November.
Air India reported the breach to the DGCA on 26 November. The airline stated it had immediately suspended all personnel associated with the decision to clear the aircraft for operation.
Fallout and Systemic Concerns
The DGCA has described the incident as a serious safety breach and has ordered the airline to "plug gaps in its system." Flying without a valid ARC can attract significant penalties and action against senior officials. Such lapses also raise serious concerns for aircraft lessors and insurers, who require strict adherence to airworthiness documentation.
This episode adds to a challenging period for Air India, which is still managing the aftermath of a fatal Boeing 787 crash in June and mounting operational losses. The DGCA has separately warned the airline several times this year over issues including crew fatigue and training standards.
An Air India spokesperson called the incident "regrettable" and said the company had begun an internal investigation. The airline pledged to put corrective measures in place to prevent future failures, reaffirming its commitment to the highest safety standards.
The DGCA's ongoing inquiry will determine responsibility for the lapse and review whether the airline's procedures for managing airworthiness documentation were adequately followed.
