DGCA Launches Holistic Aviation Safety Audit

On 21st June 2025, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) initiated a comprehensive safety audit of the Indian aviation sector following the tragic crash of Air India flight AI-171.

The DGCA’s new audit framework aims to evaluate the aviation sector in a holistic manner, focusing on safety management, operational practices, and adherence to international and national aviation standards.
The regulator has warned Air India to take immediate action by removing executives responsible for oversight of crew operations and duty hour compliance, highlighting concerns of lax accountability.
Unlike previous audits conducted by individual directorates in isolation, the new model marks a significant shift toward integrated, cross-functional assessments of the entire aviation ecosystem.
The special audits will be conducted by multidisciplinary teams led by senior DGCA officials, with participation from directorates including Flight Standards, Air Safety, Licensing, Aerodrome Standards, and others.