Air India Fined Rs 1 Crore For Operating Aircraft Without Valid Airworthiness Permit
Published: 13 February 2026
Category: India News | Aviation Regulation
In a major aviation compliance action, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has imposed a fine of ₹1 Crore on Air India for operating an Airbus A320 aircraft eight times without a valid Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC).
According to official findings, the aircraft operated multiple domestic routes including New Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad between November 24 and 25 last year without mandatory certification.
Why Was Air India Fined?
The DGCA termed the violation as “serious” and noted that flying without a valid ARC constitutes a breach of aviation safety regulations.
- Aircraft Type: Airbus A320
- Number of Flights Operated: 8
- Violation: No valid Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC)
- Penalty Imposed: ₹1 Crore
- Regulator: DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation)
The regulator observed what it described as a “casual approach” by the airline and fixed accountability at the top management level.
What Is Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC)?
The ARC is an annual certification issued after an aircraft successfully clears required safety and compliance checks. It ensures:
- Aircraft structural safety
- Technical compliance with aviation standards
- Maintenance and inspection validation
- Regulatory approval for continued operation
Operating an aircraft without ARC approval is considered a serious safety violation under Indian aviation norms.
DGCA’s Observations
Sources indicate that the aviation regulator took a strict stance and imposed the highest possible penalty. Accountability has reportedly been fixed at the senior management level, including the airline’s accountable manager.
The regulator emphasized that aviation safety compliance cannot be compromised under any circumstances.
Air India’s Official Response
In its response, Air India acknowledged receiving the DGCA order and stated that the incident was voluntarily reported earlier.
“All identified gaps have since been satisfactorily addressed and shared with the authority. Air India remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of operational integrity and safety.”
The airline also conducted an internal investigation which reportedly identified systemic gaps and recommended compliance strengthening measures.
Impact On Passengers
There were no reports of passenger injury or operational accidents linked to the incident. However, regulatory authorities have reiterated that documentation lapses in aviation are taken seriously to prevent potential safety risks.
Conclusion
The ₹1 crore penalty highlights the importance of strict regulatory compliance in India’s aviation sector. The DGCA’s action reinforces accountability and signals zero tolerance for documentation or safety certification lapses.