By Kavita Mistry 
Amid growing concerns over aviation safety, the Indian government has initiated direct oversight of Air India, calling for immediate action and tighter safety protocols. This follows a string of troubling incidents that have raised alarm bells within the aviation sector and among passengers alike.
Mounting Incidents Spark Action
In recent weeks, Air India and its low-cost subsidiary Air India Express have faced at least 15 operational and technical incidents, including aborted takeoffs, emergency landings, and onboard fires. Notably, a Boeing 787 crash on June 12 (Flight 171) killed 260 people, marking one of India’s deadliest aviation tragedies in recent years. A preliminary probe found fuel control switches set to “cutoff” during takeoff as the likely cause.
This was followed by:
- A plane catching fire after landing from Hong Kong at Delhi airport.
- A takeoff aborted in Kolkata due to technical glitches.
- A runway excursion in Mumbai during heavy rain.
- An Air India Express flight to Doha returning mid-air due to engine problems.
Government and DGCA Intervene
In light of these events, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has begun holding direct meetings with Air India management. Officials confirmed that a detailed review is underway, and a month-long assessment of all operations will follow.
Senior officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the ministry are also involved, focusing on fleet maintenance protocols, preventive measures, and compliance with safety benchmarks.
The DGCA has already mandated inspection of fuel control switch locking mechanisms across Air India’s Boeing 787 and 737 fleets. The airline has confirmed it met the July 22 deadline and found no issues.
Responsibility, Transparency & Public Confidence
Experts say the airline must demonstrate greater vigilance while the DGCA, as the regulator, should ensure incidents stay within safety performance thresholds.
Aviation expert Amit Singh stressed the regulator’s role, while former Air India executive Jitender Bhargava pointed out that no airline causes technical problems deliberately, but leadership must act decisively to ensure safety.
As government oversight intensifies, restoring passenger confidence and strengthening safety protocols have become top priorities—not just for Air India, but across India’s aviation landscape.
Aviation safety now demands not just reactive measures, but proactive reform.