Air India Flags ‘Systemic Failures’ After Airbus Flew Eight Passenger Flights Without Safety Permit

Air India has acknowledged serious lapses in safety oversight after one of its Airbus A320 aircraft operated eight commercial flights without a valid airworthiness certificate. An internal investigation described the incident as a result of “systemic failures”, raising fresh concerns about compliance standards within the country’s second-largest airline.

According to a company document reviewed by Reuters, the aircraft in question carried passengers on routes linking New Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Hyderabad between November 24 and 25. The flights took place despite the absence of a valid Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC), a mandatory annual permit issued by India’s aviation regulator only after a detailed inspection.

The airline’s internal report found that both engineering and cockpit crews failed to verify the aircraft’s documentation before approving or operating the flights. It stated that critical information was not communicated among teams, resulting in missed opportunities to identify the expired certificate. The report, dated December 6 and accompanied by a cover letter signed by Chief Operating Officer Captain Basil Kwauk, has been submitted to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

“The incident highlights the need for urgent improvements in process discipline, communication, and compliance culture,” the investigation stated.

This latest lapse comes as Air India faces increasing scrutiny. Earlier this year, the airline suffered its deadliest tragedy when a Boeing Dreamliner crashed shortly after take-off, killing 260 people. Regulators have also reprimanded the carrier for failing to inspect emergency equipment, delaying engine part replacements and submitting inaccurate compliance records during audits.

Following the Airbus episode, the DGCA grounded the aircraft and launched its own inquiry. Air India described the situation as “regrettable” and confirmed that several staff members had been suspended. The airline, jointly owned by Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, said it voluntarily reported the breach to authorities and is strengthening internal checks to prevent future violations.

The ARC requirement is a central part of India’s aviation safety regime. The certificate is issued only after DGCA personnel perform a physical inspection covering structural, mechanical and cabin-safety elements ranging from emergency kits to tyre condition. Violations can attract penalties of up to INR 10 million ($111,000).

The investigation revealed that the aircraft, registered VT-TQN, completed eight passenger flights and a test flight with an expired ARC due to a combination of organisational gaps. Both engines had been replaced shortly before the flights, yet the maintenance team released the aircraft for a test run without securing the necessary special flight permit. Subsequent checks by pilots before take-off were also skipped, the report said.

In response, Air India’s Director of Flight Operations Manish Uppal issued an internal reminder on December 1 instructing all pilots to verify documents such as navigation charts, cargo manifests and ARCs before operating any aircraft. The communication warned that deviations from company procedures could lead to disciplinary action.

The airline said it is working to build a culture where regulatory obligations are given priority over operational pressure, marking a renewed effort to restore confidence in its safety practices at a time when the wider aviation sector in India faces mounting strain.