DGCA Questions Air India Pilots Over Repeated Boeing 787 Safety Violations

India's aviation regulator has taken strict action. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued show-cause notices. These notices went to multiple Air India pilots. The action follows alleged serious aviation safety violations. These lapses occurred during the operation of Flight AI-358. The related sector, AI-357, was also part of the review. The flights operate on the Delhi-Tokyo Haneda route. The DGCA is seeking explanations from the crew involved. The regulator is also warning of enforcement action.

Core Allegations and Regulatory Breaches

The DGCA's notice focuses on several critical safety failures. These failures relate to aircraft dispatch and compliance. The core issue is the alleged violation of regulatory standards. The aircraft involved was a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, registered VT-ANI.

Minimum Equipment List (MEL) Non-Compliance

A key violation cited is non-compliance with the Minimum Equipment List (MEL). The MEL dictates which components can be inoperative. It also specifies the conditions for continued safe flight. The regulator alleged the aircraft was dispatched with "incompatible MEL items". This is a reported violation of Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) Section 2, Series B. This section governs the approval of checklists and MELs.

Specifically, the DGCA noted a non-compliance on June 28, 2025. This involved MEL "O" conditions for the lower right recirculation fan on Flight AI-358. The "O" condition requires specific operational procedures by the crew. Failure to follow these procedures is a serious regulatory oversight lapse.

Prior Knowledge and System Degradation

The DGCA's findings highlight a history of system issues. Similar snags had been recorded on five previous sectors. This indicated a known and ongoing system degradation. The regulator stated the pilots accepted the aircraft despite this prior knowledge. This suggests a breakdown in the flight crew decision-making process. The notice frames this as a failure of safety judgment. It is more than just a technical paperwork issue.

During the AI-358 operation, the crew received advisories. These included “PACK ACM L” and “Pack Mode” warnings. A smell of smoke was also reported near the R2 door. These events underscore the serious nature of the technical issues.

Failure to Assess Combined Safety Impact

The DGCA also cited a violation of CAR Section 8, Series O. This section relates to aircraft operations. The crew reportedly failed to properly assess the combined impact. This means the operational and safety effects of multiple inoperative systems were ignored. CARs require flight crews to evaluate how multiple issues interact. This is crucial for managing overall risk. The DGCA stated the pilots lacked an adequate understanding. This includes MEL limitations and system interdependencies. This failure to assess risk is a major focus of the DGCA enforcement action.

Industry Impact and Next Steps

This action against Air India and its pilots is a strong signal. It emphasizes the DGCA's commitment to aviation safety compliance. The regulator is increasing its regulatory oversight of major carriers. For passengers, these actions reinforce the importance of safety protocols. For the airline, this raises questions about maintenance and dispatch controls.

• The pilots have been given 14 days to submit their formal explanations.
• Failure to respond could lead to an ex parte decision by the DGCA.
• The final decision will determine any penalties or license actions.

This case highlights the critical role of pilot judgment. It also shows the need for strict adherence to the MEL. The MEL is a cornerstone of safe commercial aviation. For more on commercial aviation news and regulatory updates, visit flying.flights.