DGCA asks Air India to terminate 3 officials days after plane crash, directs 'disciplinary proceedings'

Aviation watchdog, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), on Saturday, June 21, directed Air India to terminate three of its employees following recent safety lapses. The issue concerning safety lapses and the termination of the Air India employees comes days after a London-bound Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, claiming 270 lives.

Instructing the airlines to undertake “internal disciplinary proceedings” against the three officials, the DGCA directed Air India to remove them from all roles and responsibilities related to crew scheduling and rostering, ANI reported citing the DGCA order.

The report on steps taken against three officials "responsible for operational lapses" needs to be submitted within 10 days without delay.

Aviation safety regulator's order dated June 20 included the name of divisional vice president of the Tata Group-owned airline among the three officials.

Air India responds to aviation watchdog's directive

Air India spokesperson acknowledged DGCA's directive and said the order was implemented.

“We acknowledge the regulator’s directive and have implemented the order. In the interim, the company's Chief Operations Officer will provide direct oversight to the Integrated Operations Control Centre (IOCC). Air India is committed to ensuring that there is total adherence to safety protocols and standard practices,” Air India said.

A day before, Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson reassured the public and employees that the airline's fleet remains safe. Campbell Wilson issued astatement following comprehensive checks particularly of its Boeing 787 aircraft. He emphasised that the carrier is exercising maximum caution in the wake of the AI171 fatal crash.

The official statement issued by Campbell Wilson reads, "Have our aircraft been deemed safe? Yes. We have completed the additional precautionary checks on our operating Boeing 787 fleet as requested by the DGCA, who have publicly declared that they meet required standards."

Assuring continued support and transparency, the CEO added, “We have also, as a matter of abundant precaution, voluntarily decided to continue additional pre-flight checks for the time being. Where there is any doubt, we will not release aircraft - of any type - for service.”

On Friday, the DGCA issued a warning to the airline for breaching safety rules after three of its Airbus planes flew despite being overdue checks on emergency equipment, Reuters reported citing documents. As per the report, the airline operated Airbus planes with ‘expired or unverified emergency equipment.’

The DGCA report said, “The above cases indicate that aircraft were operated with expired or unverified emergency equipment, which is a violation of standard airworthiness and safety requirements.”

June 12 Air India plane crash

Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route London crashed into BJ Medical College hostel complex shortly after takeoff. The aircraft crashed in the Meghani Nagar area of Gujarat's Ahmedabad moments after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12 afternoon.

In the deadly crash, 241 individuals out of 242 onboard died, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. DNA samples were used to identify the victims whose bodies were charred beyond recognition.