DGCA finds 'serious safety lapses' in top airlines ahead of key US safety check

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has reported “serious findings” during safety audits of four major Indian airlines, months before a US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) team is scheduled to assess India's aviation safety oversight, people familiar with the matter told Hindustan Times.

The regulator completed audits of IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air and SpiceJet in August. The findings are now being reviewed ahead of the five-member FAA team's visit to India from November 16 to 20.

Airlines asked to respond

The exact nature of the observations has not been disclosed. One person familiar with the matter told Hindustan Times, “While the nature and details of the observations are unknown, serious findings in major airlines were observed during the exercise.”

The airlines concerned are expected to submit their responses to the DGCA, after which the regulator will assess whether corrective steps have been taken. The person added, “The concerned airlines are expected to submit their responses to the DGCA, which will be examined. Action may be initiated if the responses are unsatisfactory.”

Under the DGCA's audit system, Level-1 findings indicate more serious non-compliance and require immediate corrective measures. Level-2 findings cover less serious deficiencies that must be addressed within a specified period.

An IndiGo official confirmed that the airline had responded to the DGCA's findings. Air India, SpiceJet and Akasa Air did not comment on the audit observations.

An Air India official told HT, “There have been some visits by the DGCA but the airline is aware and is awaiting the audit to be conducted.”

FAA review in November

The upcoming FAA assessment will examine India's civil aviation oversight system against international safety standards. The agency also assesses areas including air traffic control, aviation infrastructure, navigation and aircraft repair facilities.

India currently has Category 1 status under the FAA's International Aviation Safety Assessment programme. The FAA last assessed India in 2021.

The upcoming review comes after several aviation-related incidents and operational challenges. These include the June 2025 Air India crash in Ahmedabad and IndiGo's major operational disruption in December 2025.

The DGCA's latest audit findings will therefore be closely watched as India prepares for the November assessment.