DGCA audit flags findings across major Indian airlines; as the regulator emphasises safety oversight.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has released its latest audit findings of the scheduled Indian airlines, offering insights into operational and safety compliance as part of its Annual Surveillance Plan (ASP) under the Safety Oversight Programme.

As per the report, Air India, the nation’s flag carrier, has come under scrutiny after the audit report recorded 51 findings against the airline, which is the second-highest among all scheduled operators, trailing just behind of Alliance Air, which registered 57 findings.

The findings are divided into Level 1 and Level 2 categories. According to experts,

Level 1 findings are considered more serious in nature, and the compliance time given to the operator is usually a week. This means the airline must submit a proper action-taken report to the regulator within that period.

Level 2 findings are of medium seriousness, and the operator is given a month to comply.

The report, released alongwith the statement, details the number of audit findings for each operator over the past year, categorised into two levels of severity.

Alliance Air is on top of the list with 57 findings, followed by

Air India (51);

Ghodawat Star (41);

Quick Jet (35);

Air India Express (25);

IndiGo (23).

Tata SIA Airlines (17);

Spice Jet (14).

Tata SIA Airlines had the highest number of Level 1 findings (10), which typically relate to procedural or documentation issues. Alliance Air, on the other hand, recorded the most Level 2 findings (57), suggesting areas requiring closer attention. Air India recorded 07 Level 1 findings and 44 Level 2 findings, while IndiGo showed all 23 findings as Level 2.

The DGCA clarified that such findings are not necessarily indicators of unsafe operations. Instead, they reflect the breadth and complexity of an airline’s activities. “The quantum and scale of their activities mean that such observations reflect the breadth and depth of their operations rather than any unusual lapse”.

Upon completion of each audit, the relevant airlines are formally notified and are required to submit timely compliance and corrective action taken reports. The DGCA closely monitors these responses and ensures that all necessary measures are taken to maintain and enhance safety standards. “The presence of such findings is a testament to active regulatory oversight“, the DGCA said, assuring the public that India’s aviation safety mechanisms remain robust and globally aligned with ICAO standards.

Team Maverick