New Delhi – The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a formal investigation into an Air India aircraft after it was found to have operated on eight commercial flights without a valid Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC), a lapse that has raised serious safety concerns. Following the discovery, the regulator has grounded the aircraft immediately and directed the airline to cooperate fully with the inquiry.

According to the DGCA, Air India reported the incident on November 26, stating that one of its Airbus A320 aircraft had flown on eight revenue sectors despite its ARC having expired. “DGCA has instituted an investigation and instructed the operator to ground the aircraft,” the regulator said in a statement. The personnel responsible for the oversight have been de-rostered with immediate effect pending the outcome of the inquiry.

In response, Air India confirmed it had launched an internal investigation to identify gaps in its system and implement corrective measures to prevent future occurrences. “An incident involving one of our aircraft operating without an airworthiness review certificate is regrettable. As soon as this came to our notice, it was duly reported to the DGCA,” an Air India spokesperson said. “All personnel associated with the decision have been placed under suspension pending further review. We are fully cooperating with the regulator and conducting a comprehensive internal probe.”

Under normal circumstances, Air India issues ARCs under delegated authority. The certificate is renewed annually after a thorough review of maintenance records, inspection of the aircraft’s physical condition, and verification of compliance with all airworthiness standards. The ARC serves as validation of the aircraft’s primary Certificate of Airworthiness (C of A), ensuring it is safe for commercial operations.

The DGCA explained that the lapse occurred due to the Vistara-Air India merger in 2024. It was decided that the first ARC renewal for all 70 Vistara aircraft would be handled directly by the regulator. Certificates had been issued for 69 aircraft, but the 70th aircraft, which required an engine replacement, experienced a delay in renewal. During this period, its ARC expired, yet the aircraft was released back into service after the engine work. Air India continued to operate the plane, inadvertently violating safety protocols.

The DGCA said the renewal process for the aircraft’s ARC is ongoing, and the investigation will determine accountability for the lapse. The regulator highlighted that any such deviation from mandated compliance protocols is taken extremely seriously.

Air India reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of operational integrity and safety, emphasizing that deviations from safety regulations are “unacceptable to the organization.” The airline also indicated that it would take measures to strengthen internal checks and ensure adherence to all aviation safety norms going forward.

This incident underscores the critical role of regulatory oversight and robust internal compliance mechanisms in the aviation sector, particularly during complex transitions such as airline mergers. Aviation experts note that even brief lapses in certification can have serious operational, legal, and reputational implications, making prompt investigation and corrective action essential for maintaining passenger confidence.

The DGCA’s inquiry is ongoing, and further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.