Air India plane crash near Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, which claimed the lives of at least 265 people, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an unprecedented, sector-wide safety audit to address systemic vulnerabilities and reinforce India’s aviation safety framework. This initiative, announced under General Safety Circular 01 of 2025, marks a strategic shift towards a risk-informed, performance-driven regulatory approach, integrating global best practices and lessons from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The fatal crash of Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad, has been described as one of India’s worst aviation disasters in recent memory. The aircraft, carrying 169 Indian nationals and dozens of foreign passengers, crashed into a medical college complex and burst into flames, prompting urgent calls for a comprehensive review of aviation safety standards
Unlike routine inspections, the DGCA’s special audit is designed to be holistic and far-reaching. It covers all primary aviation entities, including scheduled and non-scheduled airlines, Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) organizations, Approved Training Organizations (ATOs), Flying Training Organizations (FTOs), Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs), Aerodrome Operators, and Ground Handling Agencies (GHAs). Even supporting sectors such as emergency systems and technology vendors fall within its scope, reflecting the regulator’s ambition for a truly end-to-end evaluation.
As a direct response to the Ahmedabad crash, the DGCA has ordered enhanced safety inspections specifically targeting Air India’s Boeing 787-8/9 fleet. Airlines are mandated to perform one-time pre-departure checks for all flights, focusing on critical systems such as fuel parameter monitoring, cabin air compressors, electronic engine controls, hydraulic systems, and take-off parameters. Reports of these checks must be submitted to the DGCA for review.
This comprehensive audit framework represents a paradigm shift from India’s traditional, siloed approach to aviation safety oversight. By adopting a unified, risk-based model, the DGCA aims to proactively identify systemic vulnerabilities, strengthen resilience, and align India’s aviation sector with international safety standards.
The DGCA’s swift and robust response underscores its commitment to ensuring that passenger safety remains paramount. As investigations continue and the black box from the crashed aircraft is analyzed, the aviation community and the public alike await the audit’s findings and the corrective actions that will shape the future of air travel in India16.
