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Key Points

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has conducted rigorous surprise inspections revealing significant safety violations by Turkish Airlines. Inspections across Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru exposed critical issues including unauthorized dangerous goods transportation and improperly authorized ground personnel. The aviation regulator has mandated immediate corrective actions and warned of follow-up inspections to ensure compliance. Turkish Airlines must address these findings promptly to maintain its operational permissions in Indian airspace.

Key Points: DGCA Exposes Turkish Airlines Safety Violations at Indian Airports

  • DGCA found dangerous goods transported without proper permissions
  • Ground operations staff lacked valid authorizations
  • Multiple safety compliance issues detected in cargo and maintenance
2 min read

DGCA pulls up Turkish Airlines over multiple safety violations

Indian aviation regulator DGCA uncovers multiple safety breaches by Turkish Airlines during surprise inspections across four major airports

"No Service Level Agreement was in place between Turkish Airlines and its Ground Handling Agent - DGCA Inspection Report"

New Delhi, June 4

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has found multiple safety violations in Turkish Airlines operations during surprise inspections carried out between May 29 and June 2 at four major Indian airports -- Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru, it was announced on Wednesday.

Following the inspections, the DGCA has directed Turkish Airlines to ensure full adherence to ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices as well as Indian civil aviation rules.

The regulator warned that follow-up inspections will be conducted to verify ongoing compliance and urged the airline to promptly address the identified shortcomings.

Cargo checks found that Turkish Airlines was carrying dangerous goods, including explosives, without mandatory permission from the DGCA. The required documents were either missing or incomplete.

“The cargo contained Dangerous Goods for which permission required from DGCA for carriage of Explosives to/from over India. This was not found to be attached nor it was mentioned in the Dangerous Goods Declaration mentioned,” according to the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

At Bengaluru, the marshaller handling ground operations lacked proper authorisation and a valid competency card for marshalling functions.

“During the arrival of the aircraft, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) was unavailable, and the arrival procedure was carried out by a technician instead. M/s Airworks is the authorised engineering service provider for Turkish Airlines,” the DGCA maintained.

The aviation watchdog also found that no Service Level Agreement (SLA) was in place between Turkish Airlines and its Ground Handling Agent (GHA).

“Equipment such as ladders, step ladders, trolleys, and Ground Power Units (GPUs) lacked proper accountability and monitoring at Hyderabad and Bengaluru, where Globe Ground India was providing ground services without formal handover from Celebi,” it added.

The DGCA emphasises its unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and regulatory compliance of all foreign operators within Indian airspace.

“Turkish Airlines has been directed to address these findings promptly and ensure full compliance with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices as well as DGCA regulations. Further follow-up inspections will be conducted as necessary to ensure continuous safety oversight,” it noted.

—IANS

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Good job by DGCA! Safety should never be compromised, especially when foreign airlines operate in our airspace. Transporting explosives without proper documentation is shocking. Hope Turkish Airlines takes this seriously. ✈️
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Priya M.
This is why we need strict aviation regulations. Imagine if something had happened mid-air! DGCA should conduct surprise checks on all foreign airlines operating in India. Safety first!
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Arjun S.
While DGCA is right to enforce rules, I hope this doesn't become another bureaucratic hurdle for airlines. The process should be strict but also efficient. We don't want to discourage foreign carriers from operating in India.
S
Sunita R.
Shocked to read about the explosives! What were they thinking? 😳 DGCA should impose heavy fines for such violations. Our skies must be safe for all passengers.
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Vikram J.
Turkish Airlines is usually good, but this is unacceptable. Hope they fix these issues quickly. I have a flight booked with them next month - now I'm having second thoughts!
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Neha P.
This shows how important DGCA's role is. They should expand these surprise checks to domestic airlines too. Safety standards must be uniform across the board. Jai Hind!

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