Air India Express in Turbulence: DGCA Flags Forged Records, Airline Suspends Manager Over A320 Directive Breach

Image Source: Times of India

Air India Express is under regulatory scrutiny after India’s aviation watchdog, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), reprimanded the airline for failing to comply with a March 2025 directive to replace engine parts on an Airbus A320. According to a confidential government document reviewed by Reuters, the airline allegedly altered or forged internal records to falsely show compliance with the directive.

The DGCA discovered discrepancies during a routine audit and warned that such actions could compromise flight safety. In response, Air India Express acknowledged the lapse, initiated an internal probe, and took “remedial action,” including suspending a senior manager involved in the falsification.

This revelation comes amid heightened regulatory oversight following recent safety incidents in India’s aviation sector. The DGCA has reportedly demanded a full compliance report and may consider further penalties depending on the outcome of its investigation.

Key Highlights:

Violation: Non-compliance with engine part replacement directive
Allegation: Internal records were “altered/forged” to show false compliance
Regulatory Action: DGCA reprimand issued in March 2025
Airline Response: Acknowledged error, suspended manager, launched internal probe
Implication: Potential safety risk flagged by aviation authorities