DGCA Highlights Multiple Safety Violations in Surveillance at Major Indian Airports
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has intensified its oversight of aviation safety by conducting comprehensive surveillance at major Indian airports, including Delhi and Mumbai. This initiative was part of Order No. DGCA-22034/2/2025-FSD issued on June 19, 2025.
Two DGCA teams led by Joint Director Generals carried out night and early morning inspections covering flight operations, airworthiness, ramp safety, air traffic control (ATC), CNS systems, and medical readiness.
Key findings from the surveillance include:
- Repeated defects on aircraft were not properly addressed or recorded in technical logs.
- Maintenance teams failed to follow safety protocols; thrust reversers and flap levers were not secured.
- Line maintenance and tool control protocols were ignored.
- Life vests were unsecured; corrosion-resistant tape on winglets was damaged.
- Ground handling equipment like trollies and BFL were unserviceable.
- Runway center lines were faded; rapid exit taxiway lights were not unidirectional.
- Several ramp vehicles lacked speed governors; driver ADPs were suspended.
- Obstruction limitation data hadn’t been updated in over 3 years.
- A flight simulator did not match aircraft configuration and had outdated software.
- A domestic flight was cancelled due to worn tyres before rectification was done.
DGCA has directed operators to submit corrective action reports within seven days. The surveillance will continue regularly to address and detect system-level hazards and improve aviation safety protocols across India.
As the country’s civil aviation regulator, DGCA reiterated its unwavering commitment to safe, secure, and compliant air operations.
Source: PIB
