The incident has raised fresh concerns about oversight and operational discipline within one of the country’s largest carriers at a time when the aviation ecosystem is already confronting heightened scrutiny.

Authorities indicated that the aircraft involved was an Airbus A320 based on the registration code referenced in the regulator’s communication, according to individuals familiar with the matter.

The aircraft was reportedly flown eight times after its certificate had expired following an engine change, prompting immediate action from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

The regulator has grounded the aircraft and removed relevant personnel from active duty while the inquiry proceeds, reflecting a strong stance on accountability and process compliance.

Officials noted that the airline, which holds delegated authority to issue these certificates internally, must demonstrate precisely how the lapse occurred and why internal checks failed to prevent the aircraft from returning to commercial service.

Air India stated that it had self-reported the lapse on November 26 and suspended employees involved in clearing the aircraft for flight without a valid certificate.

The airline described the situation as “regrettable” and said it would cooperate fully with the regulator’s investigation to ensure corrective measures are implemented swiftly.

The probe is unfolding during a challenging period for the airline, which is still dealing with the operational and financial impact of a deadly

Dreamliner crash in June and losses connected to an airspace restriction imposed by Pakistan on Indian airlines.
These setbacks have contributed to renewed pressure on the carrier to demonstrate greater internal rigour and reinforce safety systems.

Earlier this year, the DGCA issued warnings to Air India concerning issues related to crew fatigue management, training standards and operational consistency.

The regulator’s annual audit revealed 51 safety lapses within the airline, identifying concerns over pilot training, use of non-approved simulators and shortcomings in rostering practices that could affect flight safety.

The DGCA said that the expired certificate came to light during routine cross-checking, and investigators are now reviewing maintenance logs, clearance processes and communication chains between engineering and operations teams.

The regulator emphasised that the lapse indicates an “internal gap” in compliance mechanisms and must be addressed before the aircraft is cleared to resume service.

An airworthiness review certificate is a critical requirement issued only after verifying an aircraft’s maintenance history, its physical condition and compliance with regulatory norms.

Industry experts note that operating without the certificate undermines not only regulatory adherence but also passenger trust, particularly in a sector where safety assurances are central to public confidence.

The regulator had previously decided to issue initial certificates for aircraft belonging to the former Vistara fleet after its merger with Air India, aiming to ensure uniform standards across the transitioned fleet.

This oversight structure was intended to bolster supervision during integration, but the latest lapse has prompted calls for a broader review of certification delegation.

Air India has been directed to conduct an internal investigation and provide a full report outlining the sequence of events, identification of systemic weaknesses and steps being taken to prevent any recurrence.

The DGCA has also instructed the airline to reinforce training, documentation workflows and internal auditing mechanisms to strengthen overall safety compliance.

Authorities are expected to issue further directives once the probe concludes, and the incident may lead to tighter regulatory requirements on certificate issuance across India’s aviation sector.

For now, industry observers are watching closely as the investigation unfolds, given its potential implications for operational governance within the expanding Indian aviation market.

The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has called for a thorough inspection of the electrical systems of all Boeing 787 aircraft operating in India, emphasizing the aviation community’s dedication to continuous improvement and rigorous safety standards.

This call follows a recent Air India flight from Amritsar to Birmingham that successfully deployed the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) during the final approach. The RAT is an emergency system designed to provide backup power in case of a dual engine or total electrical/hydraulic failure.

The fact that the aircraft safely completed its landing, with all electrical and hydraulic systems functioning normally, demonstrates both the reliability of modern aviation systems and the professionalism of the crew in managing complex scenarios.

The incident underscores the importance of continuous safety monitoring and review. The FIP’s request to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to thoroughly inspect Boeing 787 electrical systems is part of an ongoing effort to ensure the highest levels of passenger safety.

By advocating for comprehensive reviews and preventive measures, the pilots’ body reinforces India’s aviation sector as a model of proactive risk management and operational diligence.

Air India has confirmed that the AI 117 flight landed safely and has been grounded for additional inspections. This careful approach reflects the airline’s commitment to transparency and rigorous adherence to safety protocols.

The use of emergency systems such as the RAT illustrates the advanced technological safeguards built into modern aircraft, designed to protect passengers even under unusual circumstances. Such mechanisms are a testament to global aviation standards and India’s adoption of best practices in aircraft operations.

The FIP has been consistently collaborating with aviation authorities, including the Civil Aviation Ministry and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), to ensure that all Boeing 787 aircraft are fully compliant with safety requirements.

By identifying areas for preventive maintenance and operational improvements, these measures help enhance reliability and maintain public confidence in air travel.

Importantly, incidents like the AI 117 scenario provide valuable learning opportunities for both airlines and regulators. Each event is carefully analyzed to refine training, improve safety protocols, and upgrade systems as needed.

The aviation industry globally thrives on such iterative improvements, and India is no exception, demonstrating that safety is a dynamic process supported by continuous learning, technological innovation, and stakeholder collaboration.

The proactive engagement by Air India, the FIP, and the DGCA highlights the country’s robust aviation governance framework. Indian pilots and technical teams are trained to the highest standards, capable of managing emergency scenarios with precision and calm.

Modern aircraft, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, are equipped with multiple redundant systems that enhance safety and operational reliability, ensuring that passengers reach their destinations securely.

This positive approach to safety also reassures international travelers and aviation partners that India remains committed to world-class standards. By taking preventive measures, conducting rigorous inspections, and deploying advanced technology, the Indian aviation sector continues to build trust and demonstrate that passenger safety is the top priority.

In conclusion, recent developments involving Air India’s Boeing 787 aircraft reflect a mature, safety-first culture in Indian aviation. The successful management of emergency systems, proactive inspections, and collaborative engagement between pilots, airlines, and regulators exemplify India’s dedication to excellence in air travel.

These measures strengthen confidence in commercial aviation and highlight India as a global leader in operational safety, risk management, and technological integration in modern aviation.

The top court was responding to a public interest litigation filed by NGO Safety Matters Foundation, marking its first examination of the probe being carried out by Indian authorities into the incident.

In a hearing on Monday, lawyers for the NGO questioned the inclusion of officials from the aviation safety regulator on the probe panel, saying it created a “conflict of interest”.

“The investigation necessarily involves a critical examination of DGCA’s own regulatory actions and possible lapses,” the NGO’s plea said.

The Air India-operated Boeing 787 crash killed all but one of the 242 people on board and 19 others on the ground, after the plane lost thrust shortly after takeoff from the Ahmedabad airport.

A preliminary investigation report released earlier by the Indian government showed pilot confusion in the cockpit shortly before the crash after the plane’s fuel engine switches had almost simultaneously flipped from run to cutoff just after takeoff.

The report appeared to exonerate Boeing and engine maker GE Aerospace (GE.N), but some family groups have criticised investigators and the press for being too focused on the pilots’ actions.

“Three of the members are the serving officers of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (flight safety regulator), which creates a very serious conflict of interest,” the NGO’s lawyer Prashant Bhushan told the judges.

The court said it will review the demand for a “fair, impartial, and independent, and expeditious” investigation and it has asked the government to respond.

The case comes just days after a separate case was filed in the United States by families of four passengers against Boeing and Honeywell, which made the switches.