India’s aviation regulator has imposed a ₹1 crore ($110,350) fine on Air India after an Airbus A320 operated eight commercial flights without a valid Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC). The incident, which occurred between November 24 and 25, 2025, involved flights connecting major hubs including Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad.
The ARC is a critical annual safety permit issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to ensure an aircraft meets all mechanical and compliance standards. Flying without this document is considered a severe breach of safety protocols.
Systemic Failures and Regulatory Backlash
A confidential order issued on February 5 by Joint Director General Maneesh Kumar addressed to CEO Campbell Wilson stated that the lapse has “further eroded public confidence.” The regulator held Wilson, as the “accountable manager,” responsible for the oversight.
An internal probe by Air India previously identified “systemic failures” and admitted to an urgent need for a shift in the airline’s compliance culture. The investigation also pointed toward procedural errors by the pilots, noting they failed to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) before takeof
A History of Oversight Concerns
This penalty follows a period of intense scrutiny for the Tata Group and Singapore Airlines-owned carrier. Air India has faced previous warnings for:
- Operating aircraft without verified emergency equipment.
- General audit lapses.
- The catastrophic June 2025 Boeing Dreamliner crash that resulted in 260 fatalities.
The airline has been ordered to deposit the 10 million rupee fine within 30 days. Air India has yet to issue an official response to the penalty.