DGCA

By Gurjot Singh , 27 February 2026

Directorate General of Civil Aviation has initiated the process to hire 38 consultants to mitigate staffing shortages and strengthen oversight functions in India’s rapidly expanding aviation sector. The move comes amid rising passenger traffic, fleet expansion and increased compliance requirements for airlines and airport operators. By onboarding domain specialists on a contractual basis, the regulator aims to enhance surveillance, air safety audits and technical certification processes.

By Gurjot Singh , 18 February 2026

India’s civil aviation regulator has imposed a Rs 1 crore penalty on Air India, underscoring heightened regulatory scrutiny over operational discipline and passenger safety. The fine reflects persistent compliance shortcomings identified during regulatory audits, at a time when the airline is undergoing an ambitious transformation and fleet modernization drive. The action signals a clear message to the aviation industry that scale, ownership changes or revival plans do not dilute accountability.

By Sachman Kochar , 16 February 2026

India’s aviation regulator has levied a Rs 1 crore penalty on Air India following findings of regulatory non-compliance. The action underscores heightened scrutiny in the country’s rapidly expanding aviation market, where safety oversight and operational discipline remain paramount. The fine, imposed after a review of procedural lapses, signals the regulator’s zero-tolerance stance toward deviations from established norms.

By Eknath Deshpande , 4 January 2026

Sindhudurg Airport has received approval to operate on a 24x7 basis, marking a significant milestone for regional aviation and infrastructure development in coastal Maharashtra. The clearance from the aviation regulator allows the airport to handle flights at all hours, enhancing connectivity, operational flexibility, and tourism potential. The move is expected to benefit airlines, travelers, and local businesses by improving schedule efficiency and supporting economic growth in the Konkan region.

By Eknath Deshpande , 11 December 2025

IndiGo has submitted a revised winter flight plan to the DGCA after being ordered to curtail operations due to operational breakdowns and mass flight cancellations. The regulator initially mandated a 5% reduction in scheduled flights — a cut that was later doubled to 10% — compelling IndiGo to rework its timetable under close scrutiny. The move reflects rising regulatory pressure as the airline struggles to align its flight operations with crew availability and compliance norms.

By Gurjot Singh , 4 December 2025

India’s aviation regulator has launched an inquiry into a series of flight disruptions involving IndiGo, following reports of prolonged delays, operational lapses, and passenger inconvenience across multiple routes. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has sought detailed explanations from the airline regarding its crew availability, aircraft deployment, and contingency planning. The probe comes at a time when the aviation sector is witnessing increasing traffic and heightened scrutiny over service quality.

By Eknath Deshpande , 28 October 2025

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a comprehensive review after a power bank caught fire on a domestic flight, raising safety concerns over lithium-ion batteries in air travel. Authorities are assessing causes, regulatory compliance, and potential gaps in airline safety protocols. The incident underscores the risks associated with carrying electronic devices in passenger cabins and cargo. Aviation experts stress the importance of adhering to carriage guidelines and implementing preventive measures to mitigate fire hazards.

By Gurjot Singh , 6 October 2025

India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation into an unusual RAT (Ram Air Turbine) deployment incident aboard an Air India flight. The RAT, a critical emergency device that supplies power during complete engine or electrical failure, was deployed under circumstances that raised safety concerns. Preliminary reports suggest no injuries occurred, but the event has prompted regulators to examine operational protocols, crew response, and aircraft systems.