Air India crew de-rostered for flying plane on expired licence

Aviation regulator DGCA has opened a sharp investigation after an Air India A320 neo aircraft operated eight commercial flights without a valid Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC), triggering the grounding of the jet and the immediate de-rostering of all personnel involved.

Air India informed the regulator on November 26 that the aircraft had flown eight revenue sectors despite its ARC having lapsed. The ARC, renewed annually, is issued only after a thorough review of maintenance records, physical checks and full compliance with safety norms. It is the key validation of an aircraft’s Certificate of Airworthiness.

Although Air India holds delegated powers to issue its own ARCs, the DGCA has directed the airline to investigate internal lapses and strengthen its procedures. The regulator has also launched its own probe and ordered the aircraft to remain grounded until the certification process is completed.

The aircraft at the centre of the case belonged to the former Vistara fleet, now merged with Air India. After the November 2024 merger, the DGCA had decided it would conduct the first ARC renewal for all Vistara aircraft itself.

According to the regulator, ARCs have been issued for 69 of the merged fleet’s aircraft after full compliance. The issue arose with the 70th aircraft, which had been grounded for an engine change. “During this period, the ARC expired. However, the aircraft was released for service after engine change,” the DGCA said.

Air India said it acted promptly once the lapse surfaced. “Air India remains unwavering in its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of operational integrity and safety, and any deviation from mandated compliance protocols is treated with utmost seriousness and is unacceptable to the organisation,” said the airline spokesperson.

The spokesperson further said that 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 and all personnel associated with the decision have been placed under suspension, pending further review. We have initiated a comprehensive internal investigation and are fully cooperating with the regulator,” a spokesperson added.