Mumbai: India’s aviation regulator has imposed a penalty of ₹1 crore on Air India after it was found that the airline operated an Airbus A320 on eight separate occasions without a valid airworthiness permit.
The violation emerged during regulatory scrutiny, which revealed that the aircraft continued commercial operations even after the mandatory Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC) had expired. Under aviation safety regulations, no aircraft is permitted to operate without a valid ARC, as the certificate confirms that the aircraft meets all required safety, maintenance, and operational standards.
Following its examination, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation determined that the airline failed to ensure regulatory compliance and neglected established safety procedures. The regulator described the lapse as serious, noting that operating an aircraft without valid certification weakens safety oversight and violates fundamental aviation norms.
As a consequence, the DGCA imposed a fine of ₹1 crore on the airline and reiterated that responsibility for compliance rests squarely with the operator. The regulator underlined that adherence to airworthiness and certification requirements is mandatory and cannot be compromised due to operational constraints or scheduling pressures.
The incident underscores the critical importance of strict compliance with aviation safety regulations. Authorities have stressed that any deviation from prescribed norms, whether procedural or administrative, will invite stringent action, as passenger safety and system integrity remain paramount.
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