An Air India aircraft. File | Photo credit: Reuters
Aviation safety watchdog DGCA has fined ₹1 million on Tata Group-owned Air India for operating an Airbus A320 Neo without the required airworthiness certification on at least eight routes last year, according to sources.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said on December 2 last year that it was investigating the incident of Air India operating an A320 Neo without the required airworthiness certification on at least eight routes.
Sources said on Friday (Feb 13, 2026) that the regulator has fined Air India ₹1 million for violating the rules.
“Air India acknowledges receipt of the DGCA order in respect of an incident which was voluntarily reported back in 2025. All deficiencies identified have since been satisfactorily resolved and shared with the authority,” the airline said in a statement.
On 26 November 2025, the airline informed the DGCA of flying an A320 aircraft with an expired airworthiness review certificate (ARC) in eight revenue sectors.
An ARC is issued annually for an aircraft after a comprehensive review of its maintenance records, physical condition and compliance with all airworthiness standards. This is a verification of the aircraft’s main airworthiness certificate.
As per the norms, Air India has been delegated the authority to issue ARC for the aircraft.
Tata Group-owned Air India has previously faced regulatory action for certain violations.
Published – 13 Feb 2026 21:23 IST