India’s DGCA has issued a warning to Air India following breaches of flight time regulations on two long-haul flights earlier this year. The violations occurred when both flights from Bangalore to London exceeded the maximum allowable flight time, raising concerns about operational safety. The DGCA emphasized the need for strict adherence to aviation safety standards to ensure passenger well-being and prevent operational lapses, urging the airline to take immediate corrective actions.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) recently warned Air India about potential violations of flight time regulations concerning two long-haul flights earlier this year. This warning underscores the regulator’s emphasis on the importance of adhering to aviation safety standards and maintaining a high level of care in airline operations, especially in long-distance travel. With Air India expanding its international operations, the DGCA has placed increased scrutiny on the airline’s ability to comply with these safety measures.

On May 16 and 17, 2025, Air India operated two flights between Bangalore and London (AI133). These flights exceeded the 10-hour flight time limit established by the Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) Section 7, Series J, Part III, which regulates the maximum permissible flight time for pilots. Both flights surpassed the required time frame, which is intended to ensure pilot rest and passenger safety. The DGCA pointed out that such violations could potentially endanger the safety of passengers and flight crews.

Furthermore, the DGCA identified that Air India’s Accountable Manager did not meet the operational requirements set out in Annexure III of the CARs. This section of the regulations outlines the roles and responsibilities of airline management in maintaining safe operations, including proper oversight of flight operations and compliance with safety standards. The DGCA’s concern over this lapse highlights the importance of operational accountability at all levels within an airline.

In response to these regulatory breaches, the DGCA issued a Show Cause Notice to Air India on June 20 under the Enforcement Policy and Procedures Manual (EPPM). This document lays out the procedures for addressing non-compliance with aviation regulations. Following the review of Air India’s response to the notice, the DGCA determined that the airline’s explanation was unsatisfactory in addressing the regulatory lapses and shortcomings. The DGCA emphasized that the airline must adopt a more stringent approach to compliance, underscoring that the management of Air India must “exercise the utmost diligence and responsibility” to ensure full adherence to aviation laws and operational safety.

Air India responded by explaining that the violations were due to a “misinterpretation of a permission granted to alleviate airspace closures caused by border-related issues.” The airline asserted that the problem had been swiftly rectified once the correct interpretation of the permission was communicated to its operations team. In its official statement, Air India reiterated that it is fully aligned with all aviation regulations and that the issue was an isolated incident caused by an incorrect reading of the rules.

While this explanation clarifies the airline’s perspective on the matter, industry experts note that such warnings are not uncommon in the aviation industry. However, they serve as important reminders of the critical need for strict compliance with operational procedures. This is particularly significant for long-haul international flights, where pilot fatigue becomes a greater concern due to extended flight times. Fatigue can impair a pilot’s performance, increasing the risk of operational errors. Ensuring that flight times do not exceed regulatory limits is essential to preventing these risks and safeguarding passenger safety.

The DGCA’s warning also highlights the broader issue of safety management within the airline industry. Long-haul flights, especially those crossing multiple time zones, require careful planning and coordination to ensure that pilots are not overworked and that safety protocols are consistently followed. The DGCA’s decision to issue the Show Cause Notice reflects a broader trend in the aviation sector where regulators are increasingly focused on ensuring that airlines adhere to regulations that safeguard both passengers and crews.

With Air India continuing to expand its international network and increase its global presence, aviation regulators are likely to maintain close oversight of the airline’s operations. The DGCA will probably continue to scrutinize the airline’s compliance with flight safety standards to avoid any future lapses and ensure that passengers receive the highest level of safety during their journeys. As the airline industry grows and the demand for international travel rises, regulators will undoubtedly prioritize operational safety to avoid incidents that could jeopardize public trust in air travel.

As Air India moves forward, it is clear that the airline must take proactive steps to improve its internal processes and ensure that it meets all regulatory requirements without fail. The airline’s management must prioritize safety and compliance, especially as it expands its route network and handles an increasing volume of flights. By adhering strictly to aviation safety standards and regulations, Air India can maintain its reputation as a reliable and safe airline, fostering trust with passengers and regulatory bodies alike.

India’s DGCA has warned Air India after two long-haul flights exceeded the maximum allowable flight time, highlighting concerns over safety and emphasizing the need for strict regulatory compliance.

In conclusion, the DGCA’s warning to Air India serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of flight safety regulations, particularly in long-haul international operations. The airline industry must continue to prioritize operational oversight, especially regarding flight time limitations, to ensure that pilots are well-rested, fatigue is minimized, and passenger safety remains the top priority. As global travel continues to grow, so too must the commitment to maintaining high safety standards across the aviation industry.