Archive · 2 Nov 2025
Air India Pilots Suspended Amidst License and Training Lapses, DGCA Investigates
Imagine pilots need special 'passports' (licenses) and to practice regularly (training checks) to fly planes safely.
Two pilots at Air India had problems with their 'passports' or didn't do their practice checks correctly.
One pilot's 'passport' for speaking English had expired, which is needed for flying.
Another pilot didn't pass a regular test to make sure they could fly well.
Because of this, the airline suspended them, and a government safety group called the DGCA is looking into why this happened.
This is part of a bigger problem Air India has been having with making sure their pilots are properly scheduled and have all their paperwork in order.
Two Air India pilots suspended for flying with expired or invalid licenses and certifications.
DGCA has launched an investigation into the airline's operational and licensing lapses.
One pilot flew with a lapsed English Language Proficiency license, mandatory for flight operations.
Another pilot operated a flight after failing a bi-annual proficiency check and instrument rating test.
The incident highlights ongoing scheduling and rostering issues faced by Air India.
- Who
- Two Air India pilots (a senior captain and a co-pilot)
- What
- Were suspended and de-listed for flying with discrepancies in their licenses and training certifications.
- When
- Earlier this week, with the incidents of flying occurring last month.
- Where
- Air India flights, specific routes not detailed.
- Why
- The pilots operated flights without mandatory certifications: one with a lapsed English Language Proficiency license, and the other after failing a bi-annual proficiency check and instrument rating test.
- Regulatory Body
- Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
- Airline Involved
- Air India
- Reason for Suspension
- Operating flights with lapsed/invalid licenses and training certifications
- Recent Issues
- Scheduling and rostering problems, licensing and rest requirement lapses