Air India Pilots Grounded After Flying With Expired Licences And Skipping Mandatory Training; DGCA Orders Investigation

Air India is once again caught in a storm of controversy, and this time, it’s not about flight delays or passenger complaints, but about something far more serious: safety and pilot compliance. Just months after being warned by aviation regulators, the airline is back under scrutiny for allowing two pilots to operate flights without valid clearances.

Air India Pilots Grounded For Flying With Expired Licences

The Times of India reports that two Air India pilots were relieved of their flight responsibilities after it was found that they had broken important training and licencing requirements in October. The issue came to light during an internal review, and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has now stepped in to investigate.

In one case, a senior commander of an Airbus A320 flew a commercial flight even though his English Language Proficiency (ELP) licence had expired. This certification is essential for all pilots because it ensures that they can communicate effectively while flying, especially in foreign environments. Without it, a pilot legally cannot fly.

In another incident, a co-pilot of an A320 operated a flight even after failing his Pilot Proficiency Check (PPC), Times of India reported. It is an instrument rating test that all pilots must clear every six months to prove they’re up to date on flying skills. When a pilot doesn’t clear this test, they are required to undergo corrective training and then pass a recheck before getting back in the cockpit. However, in this case, that didn’t happen.

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DGCA Launches Probe Into Pilot Compliance Lapses

An Air India spokesperson confirmed both incidents, saying that the airline acted quickly once the errors were spotted. As soon as the error was identified, the pilots and the scheduler in question were off-rostered, the spokesperson told the Times of India. The airline added that disciplinary action has been initiated and that both cases have been reported to the DGCA.

The DGCA, meanwhile, has launched a full investigation and asked Air India for a detailed report. According to officials, the matter is being treated very seriously since these lapses directly affect passenger safety and regulatory compliance.

Air India must act quickly to win back the confidence of authorities and the flying public. DGCA is currently conducting an investigation and disciplinary action is already underway. The two pilots are currently grounded, and the DGCA’s conclusions will decide what happens next.

Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/Rishavnandi08