Safety Alert: DGCA Warns Air India Over Escape Slide Oversights.

Safety Alert: DGCA Warns Air India Over Escape Slide Oversights

Introduction

Just days before the tragic June 12 crash of an Air India Boeing 787‑8 near Ahmedabad, India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), issued a formal warning to the airline over critical maintenance lapses involving its Airbus aircraft. 

What Happened

• Three Airbus jets — two A320s and one A319 — were flagged during May spot checks for operating with overdue inspections on their emergency escape slides.

• One A320 flew internationally to Dubai, Riyadh, and Jeddah with a maintenance delay exceeding one month.

• Another A319 postponed checks by over three months, and a third plane was delayed by two days

• The DGCA stated these actions are airworthiness violations, as aircraft must always have verified safety equipment. 

• The airline's delayed response to regulatory flags highlighted weak procedural oversight. 

Why Escape Slides Matter

Escape slides are lifesaving gear designed to deploy in under 10 seconds and swiftly evacuate passengers. If they fail—especially after a crash—they can lead to serious injuries or fatalities. 

Regulatory Response & Consequences

• DGCA officials informed senior Air India leadership, warning that missing mandatory checks mean airworthiness certificates are effectively suspended
• The lapses reportedly expose Air India and its executives to potential civil penalties and fines.

• In response, Air India announced it is “accelerating” verification of all maintenance logs and escape slide records for completion in coming days.

 

Broader Safety Context

• These warnings come days ahead of the crash, which claimed 241 lives and shocked the nation. While the two are unrelated, the incident compounds existing safety credibility issues at the airline.

• The DGCA has previously fined Air India and its subsidiary Air India Express multiple times—12 out of 23 fines last year—with previous concerns including cabin oxygen levels and unauthorized cockpit entry

Systemic Oversight Gaps

DGCA’s investigation described a “systemic control failure”, citing outdated paperwork, delayed maintenance compliance, and internal quality and planning weaknesses. A slip in one operational area can cascade into broader safety risks.

Air India’s Path Forward

• Since its 2022 acquisition by Tata Group, Air India has pursued modernization.

• Following this warning, the airline asserts it is enhancing:

• Maintenance tracking systems

• Quality assurance processes

• Regulatory compliance speed
  These efforts will be watched closely by aviation authorities and passengers alike.

Final Thoughts

This warning isn’t just procedural—it’s a stark reminder that aviation safety is only as strong as its weakest link. Escape slides may be hidden away pre-takeoff, but in an emergency, they're vital. As Air India grapples with this warning and a devastating crash, restoring public trust will require rigorous maintenance discipline, transparent operations, and swift regulatory cooperation.