Worn Runway Markings, Damaged Tyres: Regulator Highlights Airport Safety Concerns
India’s aviation authority has issued a seven-day ultimatum to airport operators nationwide to address critical safety shortcomings uncovered during inspections at key hubs, including Delhi and Mumbai.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reported that its surveillance teams identified “ineffective monitoring and insufficient corrective actions” for defects during a special audit launched last week. The audit followed the tragic crash of an Air India flight in Ahmedabad.
Running from June 19, the audit scrutinized critical areas such as flight operations, aircraft maintenance, ramp safety, air traffic control, navigation systems, and pre-flight medical protocols. The findings revealed widespread safety and maintenance lapses, including:
- At one airport, obstruction limitation data remained unupdated for three years, with no surveys conducted despite nearby construction.
- A domestic flight faced delays due to worn-out tires, cleared for operation only after repairs.
- Faded runway centerline markings were observed at one airport.
- Aircraft maintenance in some cases disregarded work orders.
- Tool control and line maintenance store protocols were neglected at several sites.
- Aircraft system defect reports were omitted from technical logbooks.
- Unserviceable components, such as thrust reversers and flap slat levers, were not properly secured.
- A flight simulator’s configuration and software were outdated, misaligned with the aircraft.
- Ground handling equipment, including baggage trolleys and belt loaders, was deemed unfit for use.
The DGCA has mandated immediate corrective action within seven days, as India’s aviation sector faces heightened scrutiny following the Air India flight AI 171 crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed 274 lives.
In related actions, the DGCA recently penalized Air India, ordering the suspension of three senior officials for “systemic failures,” including issues with pilot license validity and crew rest regulations. Additionally, a show-cause notice was issued to Air India for violating flight duty time limits on Bengaluru-London flights on May 16 and 17, where crew members exceeded the 10-hour flight time cap.