{"id":123302,"date":"2025-12-02T16:05:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-02T10:35:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=123302"},"modified":"2025-12-02T11:30:09","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T06:00:09","slug":"air-india-under-probe-for-operating-a320-without-certificate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2025\/12\/02\/air-india-under-probe-for-operating-a320-without-certificate\/","title":{"rendered":"Air India Under DGCA Probe for Operating A320 Without Valid Certificate"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

DELHI-<\/strong> Air India (AI)<\/a> operated an Airbus A320 with an expired airworthiness certificate on eight flights across its domestic network. The airline did not disclose the specific airports involved, so no airport or city IATA codes can be accurately referenced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lapse was detected after the aircraft completed multiple rotations, prompting immediate grounding and a regulator-led investigation by the DGCA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Air
Photo: Cl\u00e9ment Alloing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Air India A320 Airworthiness Lapse<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The incident involved a 164-seat Airbus A320 that continued commercial operations after its Certificate of Airworthiness expired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Engineers identified the oversight only after eight flights on November 24 and 25. The DGCA then initiated a detailed inquiry to determine how the aircraft departed without a valid certification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The certificate is renewed annually once periodic maintenance and compliance checks are completed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Operating an aircraft without this documentation is treated as a major violation, and authorities may impose significant penalties. This could include suspension of senior personnel responsible for engineering oversight and operational control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Air India suspended all staff linked to the release of the aircraft and grounded the A320 pending investigation. The lapse also places the airline at risk with lessors, since flying without a valid certificate may impact insurance coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Air
Photo: avgeekwithlens\/ Harsh Tekriwal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Regulatory and Operational Implications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Regulators conduct spot checks, but operators must maintain full compliance with airworthiness requirements. Government officials described the lapse as a serious breach that compromised flight safety. The airline reported the issue to the DGCA and launched its own internal review.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experts noted that modern maintenance systems make it difficult to miss certificate renewal timelines. Air India has an internal Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation that monitors all tasks linked to compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The fact that the aircraft flew eight times before detection raises concerns about quality controls and procedural discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Air
Photo: avgeekwithlens\/ Harsh Tekriwal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Similar Incidents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The DGCA may classify the event as a Level 1 violation, its highest category for safety-related failures. It follows earlier cases involving the use of components that had exceeded life limits. Previous actions included show-cause notices to senior leaders and the suspension of the head of engineering quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These recurring issues signal ongoing challenges for the airline as it works to stabilise operations under Tata Group ownership. To strengthen engineering governance, the company brought in specialists from Singapore Airlines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jeremy Yew from Singapore Airlines Engineering Services has already joined, with more experts expected to support the overhaul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Air India continues to streamline its quality assurance framework to address compliance gaps. The carrier aims to rebuild passenger confidence following several operational setbacks. Strengthening engineering oversight and improving documentation controls are now central priorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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