The directive by the DGCA to Air India to remove three senior officials responsible for crew scheduling is more than an administrative reshuffle-it is a stern reminder that flight safety is non-negotiable. The decision follows Air India’s voluntary disclosure of serious violations in flight crew rostering, including non-compliance with licensing, rest, and recency norms. This, coupled with systemic failures in internal accountability, paints a grim picture of the airline’s operational health. Unfortunately, these are not isolated incidents. The Ahmedabad Boeing aircraft crash during takeoff earlier this year was a chilling indicator that something is fundamentally wrong within the operational framework of Air India. That incident, like many recent technical snags reported across various sectors of the airline’s operations, was not an aberration-it was a symptom of deep-rooted neglect and compromised safety culture.
It is particularly troubling that such lapses occurred at the level of senior officials, highlighting a lack of internal checks, audits, and accountability. The absence of punitive measures for clear violations only strengthens the perception of a casual, almost cavalier approach to aviation norms. In the aviation industry, where the margin for error is virtually zero, repeated technical glitches and regulatory lapses are a threat to the lives of thousands of passengers who board flights each day. These are not just internal administrative issues; they directly impact public safety and national trust in civil aviation.
The DGCA’s decision to not only remove the culpable officials from operational duties but also insist on prompt disciplinary action is commendable. However, it must go further. Root causes must be identified, rectified, and monitored continuously. Airlines operate in a domain where trust is the backbone. The continuing pattern of errors risks eroding that trust. The DGCA, as the guardian of civil aviation standards, must continue to exert its authority firmly. It must ensure that these failures are not swept under the carpet but addressed transparently.
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