When Becoming Big and Dangerous Isn't Considered Unsafe

In the world of aviation, safety is sacrosanct. Every checklist, every simulator session, every pilot hour logged is underpinned by the singular pursuit of ensuring that aircraft operate within tightly controlled margins of safety. And yet, in some rare and paradoxical cases, an airline can reach a size where - even when its operations exhibit persistent safety lapses - it becomes virtually immune to the consequences that smaller entities would inevitably face. Air India is one such case. CAPTAIN AMIT SINGH dissects the trends at Air India

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A CRISIS HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India's aviation regulator, recently flagged 51 safety violations by Air India in an audit conducted after the catastrophic crash of Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8, on June 12, 2025. Among the issues were the use of unapproved simulators, training gaps for pilots flying high-risk routes, fatigue-related violations, and inadequate rostering systems that failed to ensure the minimum required crew on flights.

Seven of these breaches were classified as Level I, the most serious category of violation under India's Civil Aviation Requirements.

Some flights were operated without sufficient cabin crew, pilots were assigned duty hours that violated fatigue regulations, and instructors lacked proper approvals. These findings alone would be sufficient to ground any airline in a robust safety culture. But not Air India.

Despite damning evidence, no fleet was grounded. No executives were held publicly accountable. No routes were suspended. Instead, a compliance deadline was given: fix the worst problems by July 30, and the rest by August 23.

BUSINESS AS USUAL CONTINUES.

The Anatomy of Immunity

Air India is no longer just an airline; it is a critical node in India's national and international connectivity matrix. As a flag carrier, its brand bears the emotional weight of Indian identity, legacy, and ambition. It operates a sprawling global network, employs tens of thousands directly, and indirectly supports countless others across tourism, airport services, logistics, and retail.