DGCA Flags Safety Gaps After Nationwide Airport Surveillance
AVIATION & AIRPORTS

DGCA Flags Safety Gaps After Nationwide Airport Surveillance

In a major safety review exercise, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has uncovered several operational and maintenance lapses across key Indian airports, following a focused surveillance drive under Order No. DGCA-22034/2/2025-FSD, issued on 19 June 2025. The inspections, conducted by two DGCA teams led by the Joint Director General, covered night and early morning operations at major hubs including Delhi and Mumbai.

Key Findings

The surveillance spanned critical areas such as flight operations, airworthiness, ramp safety, ATC, CNS systems, and pre-flight medical checks. Observations included:

  • Recurring aircraft defects were found unresolved, with ineffective monitoring and rectification.
  • Unserviceable ground handling equipment like baggage trolleys and belt loaders.
  • Improper maintenance practices, such as safety procedures not being followed and defective parts like thrust reversers and flap slat levers left unlocked.
  • Logbook discrepancies, with system-generated defect reports not recorded.
  • Missing or unsecured life vests, and damaged corrosion tape on aircraft winglets.

At one airport:

  • Faded runway centre-line markings and misaligned taxiway lights were flagged.
  • Obstruction data had not been updated for over three years, despite new construction in the area.
  • Ramp vehicles lacked speed governors; their Airport Vehicle Permits were revoked and driver passes suspended.

In simulator inspections, aircraft configuration mismatches and outdated software were noted. A domestic flight was also grounded due to worn tyres, resuming only after the issue was rectified.

All findings have been formally shared with the concerned operators, who have been directed to implement corrective measures within seven days.

Ongoing Oversight

DGCA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of India’s civil aviation network. The surveillance programme will continue as part of its efforts to proactively detect and mitigate operational hazards.


In a major safety review exercise, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has uncovered several operational and maintenance lapses across key Indian airports, following a focused surveillance drive under Order No. DGCA-22034/2/2025-FSD, issued on 19 June 2025. The inspections, conducted by two DGCA teams led by the Joint Director General, covered night and early morning operations at major hubs including Delhi and Mumbai.Key FindingsThe surveillance spanned critical areas such as flight operations, airworthiness, ramp safety, ATC, CNS systems, and pre-flight medical checks. Observations included:Recurring aircraft defects were found unresolved, with ineffective monitoring and rectification.Unserviceable ground handling equipment like baggage trolleys and belt loaders.Improper maintenance practices, such as safety procedures not being followed and defective parts like thrust reversers and flap slat levers left unlocked.Logbook discrepancies, with system-generated defect reports not recorded.Missing or unsecured life vests, and damaged corrosion tape on aircraft winglets.At one airport:Faded runway centre-line markings and misaligned taxiway lights were flagged.Obstruction data had not been updated for over three years, despite new construction in the area.Ramp vehicles lacked speed governors; their Airport Vehicle Permits were revoked and driver passes suspended.In simulator inspections, aircraft configuration mismatches and outdated software were noted. A domestic flight was also grounded due to worn tyres, resuming only after the issue was rectified.All findings have been formally shared with the concerned operators, who have been directed to implement corrective measures within seven days.Ongoing OversightDGCA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of India’s civil aviation network. The surveillance programme will continue as part of its efforts to proactively detect and mitigate operational hazards.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Products

Koemmerling opens Navi Mumbai experience centre

Koemmerling, a brand of the profine Group, has expanded its presence in the Mumbai metropolitan region with the opening of a new experience centre in Navi Mumbai and launched its Allure S46 minimal sliding door system for the Indian market.Located in CBD Belapur, the facility was inaugurated by Peter Mrosik, Owner and CEO, profine Group, along with Farid Khan, Chairman and Managing Director, profine India, and Kamal Bajaj, CEO, profine India.The company said the new centre will showcase its portfolio of uPVC and aluminium window and door systems to architects, developers and homeowners.The ina..

Next Story
Products

India's waterproofing market nears Rs 150 bn milestone

India's waterproofing industry is approaching a market size of Rs 150 billion and is expected to surpass the $2 billion milestone, according to speakers at the 2nd India International Waterproofers Conference & Expo 2026 organised by the Waterproofers Association of India (WAI) in New Delhi.The two-day event brought together more than 20 speakers, 55 international delegates and 53 exhibition booths, with discussions focusing on climate-resilient construction, advanced waterproofing technologies and international collaboration.Inaugurating the event, Durga Shanker Mishra, former Secretary, ..

Next Story
Real Estate

Dilip Buildcon Q1 FY27 Revenue at Rs 23.78 billion

Dilip Buildcon Limited reported consolidated revenue from operations of Rs 2,378 crore in Q1 FY27, along with EBITDA of Rs 429 crore and profit after tax of Rs 128 crore.Consolidated EBITDA margin stood at 18.1%, improving from 17.1% in Q4 FY26. On a standalone basis, revenue from operations was Rs 1,930 crore, EBITDA stood at Rs 199 crore and PAT was Rs 39 crore, with an EBITDA margin of 10.3%.The company’s order book stood at Rs 27,691 crore as of 30 June 2026, compared with Rs 28,830 crore as of 31 March 2026. Roads and highways accounted for 17.1% of the order book, irrigation and water ..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement