DGCA Issues Show-Cause Notice to Air India Pilots Over Safety Lapses

India's aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has issued show-cause notices to multiple Air India pilots over alleged serious safety violations during the operation of Flight AI-358 and a related sector, AI-357. The document was accessed by Times Now in which safety concerns were identified in relation to aircraft dispatch, Minimum Equipment List (MEL) compliance, and flight crew decision-making. During the operation of Flight AI-358, the operating crew reportedly received PACK ACM L and Pack Mode advisories, and a smell of smoke was reported near the R2 door. The regulator noted that similar snags related to the same systems had been recorded on five previous sectors, indicating a known history of system degradation.

Despite these repeated defects, the Airbus aircraft registered VT-ANI was dispatched with incompatible MEL items, allegedly in violation of Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) Section 2, Series B. The DGCA further observed that the pilots accepted the aircraft for operation despite having prior knowledge of repeated snags and existing system degradations. The regulator also pointed out that on June 28, 2025, there was non-compliance with MEL "O" conditions concerning the lower right recirculation fan on Flight AI-358. Additionally, the operating crew was found to have accepted the aircraft without adequately understanding MEL limitations and system interdependencies, contrary to CAR provisions. DGCA stated that the crew failed to properly assess the combined operational and safety impact of multiple inoperative systems, as required under CAR Section 8, Series O. The pilots have been directed to submit their explanations within 14 days of receipt of the notice, failing which the matter may be decided ex parte based on the evidence available on record. The notices have been issued with the approval of the competent authority and form part of DGCA's enforcement action related to aviation safety compliance. Air India did not provide any immediate comment on the matter, official statement awaited.