Under the Radar: Air India Undergoes DGCA Safety Audit Amid Turbulent Times

India's aviation watchdog conducts an annual audit at Air India, which is under scrutiny following a crash that killed 271. Though unrelated to the accident, the audit coincides with warnings about compliance lapses. Air India, now part of the Tata Group, is attempting to rebuild its image amid operational challenges.

As Air India grapples with intensified scrutiny, ten officials from India's aviation safety watchdog, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), are set to conduct an annual audit at the airline's headquarters this Tuesday. This examination, though not triggered by the recent devastating crash that claimed 271 lives, adds pressure as the airline faces compliance warnings.

The DGCA's audit, to run from June 24-26, will inspect Air India's operational documents and past audit findings. The team leading this review comprises flight operation inspectors, guided by Adhiraj Yadav, the deputy chief flight operations inspector, and is tasked with checking adherence to cabin safety norms.

Amid the ongoing investigation into the June 12 crash, Air India, now under the Tata Group's aegis since its 2022 acquisition, confronts numerous challenges in altering its tarnished reputation. Recent warnings regarding pilot scheduling violations and overdue equipment checks have added to the airline's turbulent operations, revealing pressing safety compliance issues.

(With inputs from agencies.)