Parliamentary Panel Summons Boeing, Air India, DGCA Over Dreamliner Crash

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 27th June: In the wake of the tragic Boeing Dreamliner crash shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad airport, the Parliamentary Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture has summoned senior executives of Boeing, Air India, DGCA officials, and the Civil Aviation Secretary for a high-level discussion on pressing aviation safety concerns. The meeting is expected to take place in the first week of July.

According to sources, the panel will review “multiple shortcomings” in the civil aviation sector, including aircraft maintenance lapses, pilot mental fitness protocols, and regulatory oversight.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is likely to be questioned on its safety audits, licensing procedures, and enforcement practices amid growing concerns over the frequency of aviation incidents, especially involving helicopter mishaps on the Char Dham pilgrimage route.

AAIB Begins Analysis of Black Box Data
Meanwhile, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has begun the analysis of the black boxes retrieved from the crash site of Air India Flight AI171. According to an official statement, the black boxes were flown from Ahmedabad to Delhi by an Indian Air Force aircraft on June 24, under full security.

“By the evening of June 24, the AAIB team, in coordination with experts from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), began data extraction from the Crash Protection Module of the front black box,” the statement said. The memory module was successfully accessed and data downloaded on June 25.

Air India Under Pressure
In the immediate aftermath of the crash, the DGCA had ordered the removal of three senior Air India officials, including a divisional vice president, from all responsibilities related to flight crew scheduling and rostering. The regulator has directed the Tata Group-owned airline to initiate internal disciplinary proceedings without delay. Any failure to comply could lead to severe punitive measures, including the revocation of Air India’s operating licence.

The committee members are also expected to travel to Gangtok for consultations on improving air and road connectivity to the northeastern states, with a focus on promoting tourism. During this visit, they will travel via Air India to conduct a first-hand assessment of airline operations.

Report to Be Tabled in Parliament
The outcome of these meetings will be compiled into a comprehensive report, expected to be tabled during the next session of Parliament. Sources said the committee aims to formulate actionable recommendations to enhance air safety, passenger trust, and regulatory enforcement in the Indian aviation sector.