Spate of mid-flight incidents sparks probe of airlines in India

INDIA’S aviation regulator is inspecting all the country’s airlines following a recent spate of non-fatal incidents to ensure they comply with safety standards, a document seen by Bloomberg News has disclosed. 

The so-called special audit began on Jul 19 to tackle “engineering-related events”, the Directorate-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said in the document. It will investigate whether airlines have enough qualified manpower and check staff training, along with work-shift limits designed to reduce crew fatigue.

The DGCA said last week it grounded a pair of Airbus SE A320 planes operated by Go First, India’s second-biggest airline, after two domestic flights were diverted due to engine issues. Another was rerouted when its windshield cracked. The regulator also grounded an Air India Boeing Co 787 following pressure loss on a flight from Dubai to Cochin in India’s south. The country’s biggest carrier, IndiGo, also diverted a flight due to a technical problem.

SpiceJet Ltd suffered several glitches on recent flights and was earlier this month summoned by the regulator to explain why no action should be taken against it for apparently failing to establish “safe, efficient and reliable air services”. The airline was given 3 weeks to respond to the Jul 5 notification, meaning the deadline is Tuesday (Jul 26).  

SpiceJet didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. IndiGo, operated by InterGlobe Aviation Ltd, also didn’t respond, along with Go First and Air India, which is now part of Tata Group. A representative for India’s aviation ministry didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

The DGCA will examine grounded planes and the latest maintenance data of all aircraft, said the document, which was dated Jul 18. It will also check minimum equipment lists that allow flights to proceed when some gear is faulty, but doesn’t affect safety and airworthiness. Carriers’ internal quality controls, spare parts and hangers will also be assessed. BLOOMBERG