NEW DELHI — In the wake of a devastating crash that claimed more than 270 lives, India’s top aviation safety authority has stepped forward to calm public fears and reaffirm its commitment to aviation safety.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) announced on Tuesday (June 17) that it found no major safety issues with Air India’s fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners following detailed surveillance checks.
“The aircraft and associated maintenance systems were found to be compliant with existing safety standards,” said the DGCA in a statement, reassuring passengers, airline staff, and the broader public.
This announcement comes just days after tragedy struck when an Air India Boeing 787-8, headed for London, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12. On board were 242 people; only one survived. The crash also claimed the lives of about 30 people on the ground, as the jet struck nearby buildings.
In response to the incident, the DGCA launched an “enhanced safety inspection” across Air India’s Dreamliner fleet. As of now, 24 of the airline’s 33 Boeing 787 aircraft have undergone these thorough checks.
At the same time, the DGCA acknowledged ongoing concerns. In meetings with Air India’s top leadership, the regulator flagged recent maintenance-related issues and urged the airline to double down on compliance, coordination, and operational readiness.
Air India has been advised to strictly follow safety regulations, ensure better collaboration across departments, and improve spare part availability to minimize flight delays and enhance passenger experience.
The DGCA also met with senior officials from Air India Express to evaluate the readiness of both airlines as flight traffic continues to rise.
While the investigation into the June 12 crash is ongoing, the DGCA’s latest report aims to restore public trust and emphasize that the country’s skies remain under vigilant watch.
