DGCA Orders Removal of Three Air India Officials Over Crew Rostering Irregularities

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 21st June: In a strict directive aimed at enforcing compliance and accountability, India’s aviation safety regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has ordered Air India to immediately remove three of its officials, including a Divisional Vice President, from all roles and responsibilities related to crew scheduling and rostering, sources confirmed on Saturday.

The action, outlined in a DGCA order dated June 20, also directs the Tata Group-owned carrier to initiate internal disciplinary proceedings against the three officials without delay.

While the DGCA has not publicly disclosed the specific reasons, the move is seen as part of the regulator’s increasing scrutiny on safety compliance and operational oversight across airlines. “This is a serious measure that underscores the importance of adhering to established crew management protocols,” an aviation official said.

The disciplinary move follows recent audits and inspections into crew rostering practices within scheduled airlines. The removal of a senior executive such as a divisional vice president signals the DGCA’s intent to hold top-level managers accountable for systemic lapses.

Air India has not yet issued a public statement on the matter. The airline is expected to comply with the DGCA’s directives and carry out an internal review.

The aviation watchdog has, in recent months, tightened enforcement amid rising concerns about pilot fatigue, flight delays, and adherence to duty time limitations — all of which fall under crew scheduling protocols.