Faulty simulators, training gaps among 100 violations by AI: Audit

India's aviation watchdog has identified around 100 safety-related violations and observations during a comprehensive audit of Air India, the Tata Group-owned carrier that now faces intensified scrutiny following June's deadly crash of Flight 171.

- Neha LM Tripathi

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) made 51 findings containing the violations and observations during its July 1-4 audit, at least two senior officials familiar with the matter told Hindustan Times. The review was unrelated to the investigation into the June 12 crash of Air India flight 171, which claimed 260 lives.

Many of the violations identified fall under 'level l' safety classification, considered critical lapses requiring immediate corrective measures to ensure safe airline operations. Air India has been given until July 30 to submit a detailed report on corrective actions taken.

"The audit was conducted as part of steps taken to ensure world-best safety practices," said a second official familiar with the matter, emphasising the regulator's ongoing efforts to enhance India's aviation safety framework.