Air India takes BIG action, suspends officials after finding major noncompliance, here’s what we know so far

Air India suspends some officials flying with expired certificates

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated an investigation against Air India after it was reported that Air India was operating aircraft with expired Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC) in eight revenue sectors. According to a press note issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Air India has been authorized to issue ARCs for its aircraft after an annual review of maintenance records, physical condition and compliance with airworthiness standards.

What is ARC?

The ARC serves as verification of an aircraft’s primary Certificate of Airworthiness (C of A). Following Vistara’s merger with Air India in 2024, DGCA has been tasked to carry out the first ARC renewal for all 70 old Vistara aircraft. The regulator has so far renewed ARC for 69 aircraft following satisfactory compliance by the airline. However, the 70th aircraft was grounded for an engine change after the operator applied for an ARC renewal.

The ARC expired during this period, but the aircraft was returned to service after the engine replacement was completed, the ministry said in a press note on Tuesday. According to the ministry, on November 26, 2025, Air India informed the DGCA that the aircraft was operating in eight commercial sectors despite the ARC having expired.

This prompted the aviation regulator to immediately launch an investigation and order the airline to ground the plane. The Ministry confirmed that the ARC renewal process for the aircraft is currently ongoing. DGCA also directed Air India to cancel the staff concerned pending the outcome of the investigation.

Acting on instructions from the regulator, the airline launched an internal investigation to identify system deficiencies and implement corrective measures to prevent similar disruptions in the future. “Air India is uncompromising in its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of operational integrity and safety and any deviation from mandatory compliance protocols is treated with the utmost seriousness and is unacceptable to the organisation. An incident involving one of our aircraft operating without an airworthiness inspection certificate is regrettable. As soon as this came to our attention, it was duly reported to the DGCA and all personnel involved in the decision have been suspended pending further investigation. We have initiated a thorough internal investigation and are fully co-operating with the regulator.” Air India spokesperson said: