New Delhi, June 23, 2025 – The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a serious warning to Air India, citing repeated violations of crew scheduling norms and threatening to suspend the airline’s operating license if corrective measures are not promptly implemented. In a decisive step, the regulator has also removed three senior officials responsible for managing crew schedules.
The action follows an inspection by DGCA which revealed that the airline failed to adhere to mandatory Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL), raising concerns over pilot fatigue and operational safety. According to regulatory findings, several instances were noted where pilots were assigned flights exceeding the permissible duty hours, with insufficient rest intervals between long-haul operations.
Highlighting systemic flaws in the scheduling process, the DGCA described Air India’s roster management as “seriously inadequate,” prompting swift intervention. The aviation authority has ordered the airline to undertake a comprehensive overhaul of its rostering system to ensure full compliance with safety regulations. If these instructions are ignored, the airline’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC) could be suspended — a move that would halt all its flights.
In recent years, Air India, under the ownership of Tata Group, has been expanding its fleet and routes, including key international destinations. However, insiders suggest the airline’s rapid growth may be straining its operational capacity, particularly in backend processes like crew management.
Responding to the regulator’s notice, Air India has acknowledged the issue and stated it is working closely with DGCA to resolve all concerns. The airline has initiated an internal audit of its rostering practices and plans to implement an advanced fatigue risk management system to address potential scheduling risks.
Experts believe that the DGCA’s intervention reflects a broader intent to tighten oversight across the aviation sector. “This sets a precedent that operational safety and regulatory compliance will be enforced strictly, irrespective of the carrier’s size or ownership,” said an aviation analyst familiar with the matter.
The timing of this regulatory action is critical for Air India, which is currently undergoing a major transformation aimed at reclaiming its position as a world-class airline. With multiple new aircraft deliveries on the horizon and an ambitious expansion plan underway, any regulatory hurdles could slow its progress and impact customer trust.
