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In simulator inspections, aircraft configuration mismatches and outdated software were noted.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
Resources

Schindler named among Forbes’ World’s Best Employers 2026

Schindler has been named among Forbes’ World’s Best Employers 2026, a global ranking recognising companies for their workplace environments.Compiled by Forbes in partnership with Statista, the ranking is based on independent employee feedback, including whether employees would recommend their organisation to friends and family.The company said the recognition reflected its focus on creating a workplace where employees can develop their expertise and build careers. ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India needs an export-execution mindset: Vishesh Jain

Interview with Vishesh Jain, Founder & CEO, EximpleWhat gaps in India’s global trade ecosystem led you to build Eximple, and what problem did you see businesses struggling with most?Eximple came out of a problem that all three founders had seen from different choke points in the trade ecosystem. India has millions of MSMEs and manufacturers, and many of them can make products that are genuinely competitive on quality. Yet only a small fraction is able to build meaningful international businesses. In our experience, the gap is usually not manufacturing capability; it is the ability to exe..

Next Story
Building Material

Nuvoco reports 13.5% revenue growth in Q2 FY27

Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Ltd. reported consolidated revenue of Rs 27.9 billion for Q2 FY27, up 13.5% year on year. Cement sales volume rose 9% to 4.7 million tonnes (MMT), while EBITDA increased 11% to Rs 4.11 billion.The company said it began its cement operations in 2014 with a 2.3 MMT per annum (MMTPA) operation at Nimbol. It now aims to reach 35 MMTPA of cement capacity by FY28, nearly 15 times its initial capacity. Its portfolio spans cement, ready-mix concrete and modern building materials.On sustainability and cost efficiency, Nuvoco partnered with CleanMax for a 46.4 MW wind-solar hybrid re..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code