Archive · 1 Jan 2026
DGCA warns Air India over Dreamliner safety violations
The DGCA, which is like the boss of airplane safety in India, has asked Air India to explain why they kept flying a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner even though it had lots of technical problems.
The DGCA sent a special notice to Air India saying that the airplane had issues that weren't fixed, and it was flown even when it wasn't fully safe.
This happened on flights from Delhi to Tokyo on June 28.
The DGCA is worried about how the airplane was sent on flights, how the rules were followed, and how the pilots made decisions.
During one flight, the crew even smelled something like smoke.
The airplane had problems before, but it was still allowed to fly.
The DGCA wants the pilots to explain why they didn't follow the safety rules better.
DGCA issued a show-cause notice to Air India for operating a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with recurring technical issues on Delhi-Tokyo routes.
The notice flagged non-compliance with the Minimum Equipment List (MEL), safety concerns over aircraft dispatch, and flight crew decision-making.
The aircraft, registered as VT-ANI, had faced similar technical problems on at least five previous flights, indicating recurring mechanical issues.
During one flight, the crew received multiple system alerts and detected a smell similar to smoke near one of the aircraft doors.
The DGCA has asked the pilots to respond within 14 days, warning of strict action if the response is unsatisfactory.
- Who
- Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Air India
- What
- DGCA issued a show-cause notice to Air India for operating a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with recurring technical issues
- When
- The incident occurred on June 28, 2024, and the notice was issued on December 29, 2024
- Where
- The flights involved were on the Delhi-Tokyo routes
- Why
- The DGCA flagged safety concerns over aircraft dispatch, MEL compliance, and flight crew decision-making
- Aircraft Model
- Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
- Aircraft Registration
- VT-ANI
- Issuing Authority
- Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
- Date of Incident
- June 28, 2024
- Flights Involved
- AI 258, AI 357, AI 358 (Delhi-Tokyo routes)
- Issues Flagged
- Non-compliance with Minimum Equipment List (MEL), safety concerns over aircraft dispatch, flight crew decision-making, multiple system alerts, smoke smell, heating and cooling system issues
- Response Deadline
- 14 days from notice issuance
Sources
DGCA seeks explanation from Air India for operating Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner despite repeated technical snags
DGCA seeks explanation from AI for operating Dreamliner despite snags
DGCA Issues Show-Cause Notice to Air India Pilots Over Safety Lapses
Air India under fire yet again – Why has the DGCA issued a show cause notice this time?
DGCA seeks explanation from AI for operating Dreamliner despite snags
Aviation regulator issues notice to Air India crew over safety issues
DGCA Issues Show-Cause Notice to Air India Pilot Over Safety Lapses
DGCA Issues Showcause Notice To Air India Pilots Over Safety Concerns On Flights Between Delhi & Tokyo, Seeks Explaination In 14 Days
Air India crew gets regulator notice for safety-related violations
Smelling of alcohol, Air India pilot detained at Vancouver airport in Canada before Delhi flight
Aviation regulator issues notice to Air India crew over safety issues
Air India Issued Show Cause Notice For Operating Boeing Dreamliner Despite Snags
