DGCA Launches Holistic Aviation Safety Audit

• 23 Jun 2025

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.