Air India

The Tata Group has initiated a significant leadership reshuffle at its aviation businesses, beginning the search for new chief executives at Air India and its low-cost arm, Air India Express. The move comes as the conglomerate accelerates the integration and transformation of the formerly state-owned carrier into a globally competitive airline.

India’s civil aviation regulator has sought detailed explanations from Air India after a series of technical snags were reported in its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet. The move underscores heightened regulatory vigilance as the Tata Group-owned carrier accelerates fleet modernization and network expansion. While no systemic safety failure has been confirmed, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation is examining maintenance practices, incident reporting and corrective actions to ensure operational reliability.

India’s aviation regulator has initiated a formal investigation after an Air India aircraft reportedly operated a commercial flight without securing the mandatory Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC). The incident has raised concerns about procedural lapses and operational oversight within the airline’s maintenance framework. While the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has sought detailed explanations, the episode underscores the critical importance of regulatory compliance in ensuring passenger safety and operational integrity.

Air India authorities, along with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), have initiated a comprehensive investigation into the recent Air India crash, examining all potential causes ranging from technical malfunctions to human error. The probe aims to ensure transparency, identify contributing factors, and recommend safety improvements to prevent future incidents. Aviation experts note that a meticulous approach is critical given the high stakes involved in passenger safety and airline operations.

Air India announced the cancellation of a scheduled flight after a technical issue was detected on its Boeing Dreamliner aircraft, prioritizing passenger safety over operational schedules. Airlines and aviation experts emphasize that such proactive measures are crucial to maintaining airworthiness standards and ensuring public confidence. Passengers were promptly rebooked on alternate flights, and the airline is providing full support, including accommodations where necessary.

India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has mandated a comprehensive reinspection of Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) used by Air India for passenger screening. The directive follows reports raising concerns about procedural adherence and the accuracy of testing protocols across certain flights. This review aims to ensure compliance with national safety standards, safeguard passenger health, and maintain operational integrity amid ongoing domestic and international air travel.

Air India has announced the launch of a new direct flight connecting Delhi and London, strengthening its international network and catering to rising demand for UK-bound travel. The addition underscores the airline’s strategic focus on enhancing long-haul connectivity, improving passenger convenience, and capturing a larger share of the India-UK travel corridor. Analysts note that this route expansion is timely, given increasing business, leisure, and diaspora traffic.

Union Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu has unequivocally dismissed allegations of misconduct in the investigation of the Air India AI-171 crash, which resulted in 260 fatalities on June 12, 2025. Addressing concerns raised by the public and the Federation of Indian Pilots, Minister Naidu emphasized that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is conducting a "clean and thorough" inquiry, adhering strictly to established protocols. He assured that the investigation remains transparent, independent, and free from external influence.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a thorough investigation into a recent emergency RAT (Ram Air Turbine) deployment on an Air India aircraft. The incident, which occurred during routine operations, triggered safety concerns and prompted immediate scrutiny from aviation regulators. Preliminary reports suggest that the RAT, designed to supply emergency power in case of engine or electrical failures, deployed unexpectedly, though no injuries were reported.

Air India has entered into a strategic codeshare partnership with Air Astana, the flag carrier of Kazakhstan, aimed at boosting connectivity between India, Central Asia, and beyond. The agreement will allow passengers to seamlessly book travel across both airlines’ networks with a single ticket, offering greater convenience and access to new destinations. The collaboration is expected to enhance trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between the two regions while strengthening India’s position as a key aviation hub.