The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has fined Air India ₹1 crore for operating an Airbus A320neo on eight flights without a valid Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC). The violation occurred in November 2025 across routes including Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, raising serious concerns about compliance and aviation safety.
India’s aviation regulator, the DGCA, confirmed that Air India operated an Airbus A320neo aircraft eight times between November 24–25, 2025, without the mandatory ARC, which certifies an aircraft’s safety compliance annually.
The DGCA termed the lapse “serious” and attributed responsibility to top-level management. The penalty was imposed after a probe initiated on December 2, 2025. Air India stated that the incident was voluntarily reported and that all identified gaps have since been addressed.
The flights connected major hubs including New Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, highlighting the scale of the violation. Industry experts warn that such lapses undermine passenger confidence and emphasize the need for stricter compliance monitoring.
Major Takeaways
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Penalty imposed: ₹1 crore fine by DGCA
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Aircraft involved: Airbus A320neo
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Violation period: November 24–25, 2025
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Flights operated: Eight routes including Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad
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Reason: Expired Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC)
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Response: Air India voluntarily reported incident; corrective measures taken
Conclusion
The DGCA’s action against Air India underscores the critical importance of airworthiness compliance in safeguarding passenger safety. While the airline has addressed the gaps, the fine serves as a reminder that stringent oversight and accountability remain essential in India’s rapidly expanding aviation sector.
Sources: NDTV India, The Economic Times, Firstpost, PTI Reports