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Key Points

Congress MP Manish Tewari has called for the government to take back Air India from the Tata Group, citing mismanagement and operational failures. He criticized the airline for frequent flight disruptions and lack of aviation expertise among its leadership. The DGCA recently flagged 51 safety violations, including critical breaches, during an audit of Air India. The airline is under scrutiny after a London-bound flight was forced to return due to a technical fault.

Key Points: Manish Tewari Demands Govt Take Back Air India From Tata Group

  • Tewari criticizes Tata Group for Air India's operational failures
  • DGCA audit reveals 51 safety lapses at Air India
  • Congress leader highlights frequent flight cancellations and delays
  • Air India faces scrutiny after recent technical fault incident
3 min read

Govt should take back Air India from Tata Group, says Manish Tewari

Congress leader Manish Tewari urges govt to reclaim Air India from Tata Group citing mismanagement and safety lapses under privatisation.

"The Airline is a complete management mess. There are hardly any competent aviation professionals running Air India. – Manish Tewari"

New Delhi, Aug 1

Congress MP and former I& B Minister Manish Tewari on Friday said that the government should take Air India back from the Tata Group "as they have run the airline into the ground".

New Delhi, Aug 1 (IANS) Congress MP and former I& B Minister Manish Tewari on Friday said that the government should take Air India back from the Tata Group "as they have run the airline into the ground". "The Airline is a complete management mess. There are hardly any competent aviation professionals running Air India. The privatisation has been a disaster," Tewari wrote on X.

"Flights cancelled at the drop of a hat, flights delayed without any explanation whatsoever," he added.

"The Pilots and the crew tell me that people who grow Tea in Tata Tea, make steel in Tata Steel, make cars in Tata Motors are running Air India," the Congress leader said.

“People I have known personally over the past 40 years and are sound professionals,” he added in the note, which was tagged the civil aviation regulator, DGCA, as well.

A London-bound Air India flight from Delhi was forced to return to the bay on Thursday after the cockpit crew detected a suspected technical fault before take-off.

The flight, call sign AI-2017, was preparing to depart when the pilots halted the departure and brought the aircraft back for checks.

The airline said that all necessary safety procedures were followed and that an alternative aircraft is being arranged to fly the passengers to London as soon as possible.

"Our ground staff is extending all support and care to the guests to minimise inconvenience caused due to this unexpected delay. At Air India, the safety and well-being of our passengers remain the top priority," the airline added.

The incident comes just days after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) flagged 51 safety lapses at Air India during its annual audit.

These included outdated training manuals, incomplete pilot training, unqualified simulators, and irregularities in low-visibility operation approvals.

Of these lapses, seven were classified as critical Level I breaches, which the airline was instructed to address by July 30. The remaining 44 non-compliances must be rectified by August 23.

The DGCA’s action followed recent enforcement measures, including the grounding of an Air India aircraft found to have an overdue inspection of its emergency slide -- a crucial safety feature.

The regulator has also issued three show-cause notices to the airline, giving it 15 days to respond.

Earlier, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol told Parliament that the DGCA had immediately grounded the aircraft involved in the overdue slide inspection until the necessary checks were completed.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
As a frequent flyer, I've noticed service has improved under Tata management. The planes are cleaner and staff more professional. But yes, there are still issues that need fixing. Safety should be top priority!
A
Arjun K
Typical political statement! Congress ran Air India to the ground for years. Now when private players are trying to fix it, they want it back? This is why we can't have nice things in India.
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Priya S
The DGCA findings are concerning. Whether under govt or private, safety standards must be maintained. Maybe instead of taking back, there should be stricter oversight and penalties for violations.
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Vikram M
I disagree with Tewari ji. The Tata group has successfully run many businesses. Air India needs complete overhaul which takes time. Government running airlines is proven failure worldwide. Let professionals handle it.
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Kavya N
The tea comment is unfair! Tata Group has aviation experience through Vistara and AirAsia India. But I agree they need to address the DGCA findings urgently. Safety cannot be compromised at any cost.

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