DGCA orders special audits of airlines, MROs, airports to enhance safety

IANS June 22, 2025 294 views

The DGCA has ordered special safety audits for all aviation entities after recent incidents. These rigorous inspections will cover airlines, MROs, and training schools with a focus on operational safety. Non-compliant operators face severe penalties including licence cancellations. The move follows ICAO concerns and aims to restore confidence in India's aviation sector.

"Failure to comply could mean suspension of operations or licence cancellations" – DGCA Official
New Delhi, June 22: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered a new set of Comprehensive Special Audits to enhance safety following the jolt to the country’s civil aviation sector in the wake of the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad.

Key Points

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DGCA mandates 3-stage audits for airlines and MROs

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Focus on Safety Management Systems and crew protocols

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Non-compliance may lead to airline grounding

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Corrective plans required within 15 days of findings

The audit framework will cover the entire range of aviation entities, including scheduled and non-scheduled airlines, maintenance, repair and overhaul organisations (MROs), flying training schools, air navigation service providers, airport operators and ground handling agencies. The audit framework will be in addition to the regulatory audits being carried out as per the annual surveillance programme. It will also have more severe penalties for non-compliance that include grounding of airlines.

The process will unfold in three stages: a pre-audit phase lasting five to seven days, a three-to-five-day on-site audit, and a post-audit period of ten to fifteen days for analysis and follow-up. Entities audited are required to submit corrective action plans within 15 days of receiving findings. The DGCA will closely monitor the implementation of these plans.

The regulator has deployed multidisciplinary audit teams led by senior officials and supported by subject matter experts drawn from various domains within aviation. These teams are conducting rigorous inspections.

The primary focus areas included Safety Management Systems (SMS), operational efficiency, adherence to regulatory frameworks, and crew and resource management protocols.

According to officials, the audit was triggered by a range of factors, including aviation accidents, serious incidents, recurring non-compliance issues, as well as findings flagged by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

The process will unfold in three stages: a pre-audit phase lasting five to seven days, a three-to-five-day on-site audit, and a post-audit period of ten to fifteen days for analysis and follow-up.

Findings from these audits will be classified based on Level 1 for immediate safety risks, Level 2 for significant but non-critical issues, and a third category for long-term observations.

Entities audited are required to submit Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) within 15 days of receiving findings. The DGCA will closely monitor the implementation of these plans.

The DGCA has made it clear that failure to comply with audit recommendations could attract penalties such as suspension of operations or even cancellation of licences in cases of violation of safety norms.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Finally some strict action! Our aviation sector was becoming too casual about safety. The Ahmedabad crash was a wake-up call we couldn't ignore. Hope DGCA follows through properly this time, not just paperwork. 🇮🇳✈️
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Priya M.
Good initiative but implementation is key. We've seen such audits before - airlines just do temporary fixes to pass inspection. DGCA needs to maintain continuous pressure, not just during audit periods.
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Amit S.
As someone who flies frequently for work, this gives me some relief. But why did it take a tragedy to implement stricter measures? Safety should be proactive, not reactive. Hope the penalties are actually enforced.
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Sunita R.
The three-stage audit process sounds thorough. But 15 days for corrective plans seems too short for proper implementation. Quality fixes take time - we don't want rushed solutions that compromise safety again.
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Vikram J.
While safety is paramount, I hope this doesn't become another bureaucratic hurdle that delays flights and increases fares. DGCA needs to balance strictness with practical aviation operations.
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Neha P.
The inclusion of flying schools is crucial! Many accidents happen due to poor pilot training. India's aviation sector is growing fast - we need world-class standards at every level. Kudos for this comprehensive approach!

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Tags:
DGCA aviation safety Air India crash airline audits MRO inspections ICAO compliance