Aviation sector’s reputation at stake; US team to conduct safety audit in India—understanding the implications

The reputation of the Indian aviation sector is on the line. The US regulator, the FAA, will conduct an assessment of India’s aviation regulator, the DGCA, from November 16 to 20. A recent annual audit by the DGCA had revealed several shortcomings.

Aviation Safety: A five-member team from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is scheduled to visit India from November 16 to 20. The team will assess whether India’s aviation regulator, the DGCA, is functioning in accordance with international safety standards. Ahead of this FAA visit, the government and airlines face the challenge of completing several safety-related tasks.

The DGCA completed safety audits of four major airlines in August. Reports indicate that serious deficiencies were uncovered during these audits, according to sources familiar with the matter. However, the exact nature and full details of these shortcomings have not yet been disclosed, and the DGCA has not issued an official statement on the issue. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has stated that all necessary preparations will be completed before November.

Essential tasks to be completed before November

Following the audit, airlines are required to respond to the DGCA’s findings. The DGCA will review these responses, and action could be taken if the replies are found unsatisfactory. Any deficiencies identified during the audit must be rectified within a specified timeframe.

The government is also considering expanding the scope of pilot checks. There is a proposal to increase the inspection coverage from the current 10 percent of pilots to 100 percent. According to the Minister, every pilot should undergo an inspection at least once a year. Consultations with all stakeholders regarding this proposal are underway, and a new rule could be introduced soon.

Another significant development concerns the investigation report into the Ahmedabad aircraft incident. The Minister stated on Tuesday that the investigation into the AI-171 incident is in its final stages, and the final report is expected to be released soon. The central government has informed the Supreme Court that the final draft report will be submitted in a sealed envelope during the first week of October. The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for October 13.

What do the audit shortcomings signify?

The DGCA categorizes its audit findings into Level-1 and Level-2. Level-1 deficiencies are more serious and require immediate rectification. According to experts, an ‘Action Taken Report’ regarding such findings is typically required within one week. Level-2 deficiencies are relatively less severe and must be addressed within a stipulated timeframe.

Airlines’ response

An airline official stated that a response to the DGCA’s findings has already been submitted. Other airlines did not comment on the matter. An airline official noted that the DGCA has conducted certain visits and the airline is aware of them.

Why is the FAA assessment significant?

The FAA evaluates whether a country’s aviation regulator operates in accordance with international safety standards. This process involves examining various aspects, including repair stations, navigation, infrastructure, and safety systems. The FAA last assessed India in 2021. India currently holds Category-1 status under the International Aviation Safety Assessment program.

Retaining Category-1 status allows Indian airlines to launch new flights to the US and expand their networks. If the status drops to Category-2, new flights cannot be launched, and codeshare agreements could be impacted. Existing flights may continue, but US agencies would increase their oversight.

Assessment amidst incidents

This assessment is taking place at a time when the Indian aviation sector has experienced several incidents and operational issues over the past year. On June 12, 2025, flight AI-171—a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner—crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad. According to the AAIB’s preliminary report, moments after takeoff, the engine fuel control switches shifted from the ‘Run’ to the ‘Cutoff’ position, resulting in a loss of engine thrust. Significant irregularities involving IndiGo flights had also come to light in December 2025.

Earlier, an annual DGCA audit had revealed a total of 263 deficiencies, including 19 classified as Level-1. Various airlines recorded 57, 51, 41, 23, and 14 deficiencies, respectively. At the time, the DGCA had stated that a higher number of findings for airlines with large fleets was normal and reflected the scale of their operations. Now, ahead of the FAA assessment in November, government decisions regarding action on the DGCA audit findings and proposals related to aviation safety will be crucial.