DGCA fines Air India ₹1 crore for operating an Airbus A320neo aircraft without a valid Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC) on at least eight routes last year. The action was taken by India’s aviation safety regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
According to sources, the airline flew the aircraft even after its required airworthiness certificate had expired.
What Happened?
The issue came to light when Air India informed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on November 26, 2025, that one of its aircraft had operated eight flights even though its safety certificate had expired.
After investigating the matter, the DGCA imposed a fine of ₹1 crore on the airline for violating safety rules.
What Did Air India Say?
Air India said that it informed the aviation regulator on its own about the issue in 2025.
The airline added that all the gaps have now been fixed and the details have been shared with the DGCA. It also assured that corrective steps have been taken to avoid such mistakes in the future.
What Is an Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC)?
An Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC) is a document that confirms an aircraft is safe to fly. It is issued every year after:
- Checking the aircraft’s maintenance records
- Inspecting the aircraft physically
- Making sure all safety rules and standards are properly followed
- Without a valid ARC, an aircraft is not allowed to operate commercial flights.
Under aviation rules, Air India has the authority to issue ARC for its own aircraft after proper checks.
Why This Matters
The DGCA fines Air India ₹1 crore case shows how important aviation safety rules are. The DGCA regularly monitors airlines to ensure passenger safety.
There is no problem with current flights, but this incident shows that airlines must carefully follow safety rules and keep their certificates up to date.
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