Key Takeaways
• Air India crash on June 12, 2025 killed 275, prompting a major aviation safety review in India.
• July 9 review will examine airline safety, DGCA enforcement, maintenance, and pilot fatigue management.
• DGCA issued safety warnings to Air India; 15% of wide-body international flights suspended for inspections.
Indian Lawmakers Launch Major Review of Aviation Safety After Air India Crash
Indian lawmakers are preparing for a sweeping review of aviation safety, just weeks after the tragic Air India crash on June 12, 2025. This disaster, which took 275 lives, has become the deadliest plane crash in India in the past ten years and the first fatal accident involving a Boeing 787 anywhere in the world. The upcoming review, scheduled for July 9, 2025, will bring together top officials, regulators, and airline executives to address urgent questions about the safety of India’s skies.
What Happened: The Air India Crash and Its Immediate Impact
On June 12, 2025, Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed into a building shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad, heading to London. The crash killed all 241 people on board, including passengers and crew, and caused additional deaths on the ground. This event shocked the nation and raised serious concerns about aviation safety, not just for Air India but for the entire sector.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), with help from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Boeing, is leading the investigation. Both the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder—often called “black boxes”—were recovered and are now being analyzed. Early findings suggest there may have been a technical or operational failure, possibly involving both engines and the emergency power system, known as the ram air turbine. Simulation tests by Air India pilots point to a technical malfunction as a likely cause, since normal takeoff procedures did not explain the crash.
Why Indian Lawmakers Are Taking Action
The scale of the tragedy and the questions it raised about airline safety have pushed Indian lawmakers to act quickly. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture, along with the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), will both examine aviation safety. The PAC will also look at how fees and tariffs are regulated in public infrastructure, including airports.
The review will focus on several key areas:
– Airline and airport safety preparedness
– Regulatory frameworks and enforcement
– Maintenance backlogs and compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
– Internal audits and safety protocols
– The Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s (DGCA) enforcement capacity and inspection systems
This review is not just about Air India. It will cover the entire aviation sector, including other major airlines like IndiGo, and will involve senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, DGCA, AAIB, Airports Authority of India (AAI), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), and top airline executives.
Regulatory and Industry Response: What Has Changed Since the Crash
In the weeks following the crash, the DGCA has taken several steps to address safety concerns:
– Warning Notices to Air India: The DGCA issued multiple warnings to Air India for “repeated and serious violations” of pilot flight duty time limitations (FDTL). These rules are meant to prevent pilot fatigue, which can be dangerous during flights.
– Maintenance Issues: Air India was cited for operating three Airbus aircraft that were overdue for mandatory emergency escape slide checks.
– Flight Cancellations and Inspections: Air India suspended 15% of its international wide-body flights from June 21 to July 15, including many flights to the United Kingdom 🇬🇧. The airline also began a full safety inspection of its 33 Boeing 787 aircraft. So far, 26 planes have passed inspection, while the rest are still being checked.
– Public Commitment: Air India’s CEO, Campbell Wilson, has promised to improve safety protocols and be transparent with the public about the airline’s actions.
These steps have had a direct impact on travelers. Over 80 Air India flights have been cancelled since the crash, some due to technical issues and others because passengers were worried about the safety of the aircraft. The incident has also led to increased scrutiny of maintenance practices, pilot scheduling, and how well regulators are doing their jobs.
Who Is Involved: Key Stakeholders and Their Roles
Several important groups and individuals are at the center of this review:
Government and Regulatory Bodies
– Ministry of Civil Aviation: Leading the policy and regulatory response to the crash.
– DGCA: Responsible for enforcing safety rules and inspecting airlines. The DGCA is under pressure to improve its oversight.
– AAIB: Conducting the technical investigation, with support from international experts.
Parliamentary Leaders
– Sanjay Jha (Janata Dal United): Chair of the Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture.
– K C Venugopal (Congress): Head of the Public Accounts Committee.
– RK Chaudhary (Panel Member): Has called for tough questioning to make sure airlines are following safety rules.
Industry Executives
– Campbell Wilson (Air India CEO): Leading Air India’s internal safety reviews and public communication.
How the Review Will Work: Timeline and Procedures
The review process will unfold over several days and involve multiple panels:
– July 8, 2025: The Public Accounts Committee will hear oral evidence from aviation authorities and industry stakeholders.
– July 9, 2025: The Parliamentary Standing Committee will conduct a comprehensive safety review, with participation from all major industry and regulatory bodies.
– Ongoing: The AAIB investigation continues, with updates expected as more information is gathered from the black boxes and technical evidence.
The review will look at both immediate and long-term issues. Lawmakers will ask tough questions about how airlines and regulators are handling safety, what went wrong in the Air India crash, and what changes need to be made to prevent future tragedies.
Background: India’s Aviation Sector and Safety Challenges
India’s aviation sector has grown rapidly in recent years, with more people flying than ever before. This growth has brought new challenges, including:
– Rapid fleet expansion: Airlines are adding new planes quickly, which can strain maintenance and safety systems.
– Pilot shortages: There are not enough trained pilots to meet demand, leading to longer working hours and increased fatigue.
– Operational pressures: Airlines face pressure to keep flights on schedule, sometimes at the expense of safety.
Aviation safety experts warn that these challenges require systemic changes, not just quick fixes. They say that unless safety margins are restored and regulatory oversight is strengthened, India’s goal of becoming a global aviation hub could be at risk.
Policy Implications: What Could Change After the Review
The outcome of the July 9 review could lead to major changes in how aviation safety is managed in India. Some possible reforms include:
– Overhauling pilot scheduling and fatigue management: Making sure pilots get enough rest and are not overworked.
– Stricter maintenance compliance: Requiring airlines to follow maintenance schedules more closely and report problems in real time.
– Enhanced DGCA inspection and enforcement: Giving the DGCA more resources and authority to inspect airlines and enforce rules, possibly using international standards as a guide.
– Mandatory safety inspections and audits: Requiring regular checks of all airline fleets, not just after accidents.
These changes could help restore public trust in air travel and bring India’s aviation safety standards in line with global best practices.
How This Affects Stakeholders: Passengers, Airlines, and the Public
The Air India crash and the upcoming review have wide-reaching effects:
– Passengers: Many travelers are now more anxious about flying, especially with Air India. Flight cancellations and schedule changes have disrupted travel plans for thousands of people.
– Airlines: Airlines face increased scrutiny from regulators and the public. They may need to invest more in safety, maintenance, and pilot training.
– Regulators: The DGCA and other agencies are under pressure to show they can enforce safety rules and prevent future accidents.
– The Public: There is a loss of confidence in air travel safety, which could affect the entire industry if not addressed.
Expert Perspectives: Calls for Systemic Reform
Aviation safety experts and industry analysts agree that the review must lead to real change, not just temporary fixes. They point out that:
– Systemic reforms are needed: Quick responses after accidents are not enough. The entire system, from pilot training to maintenance and oversight, needs improvement.
– India’s global ambitions are at stake: If safety is not improved, India could lose its place as a growing aviation hub.
– Public trust must be restored: People need to feel safe when they fly. This requires transparency, accountability, and real action from both airlines and regulators.
Next Steps: What to Watch For
The coming weeks will be critical for the future of aviation safety in India. Key developments to watch include:
– The outcome of the July 9 parliamentary review: Lawmakers may recommend new laws, stronger enforcement, or other major changes.
– Updates from the AAIB investigation: As more information is released about the cause of the Air India crash, further actions may be taken.
– Industry response: Airlines may introduce new safety measures or change their operations in response to the review and investigation findings.
For official updates and more information on aviation safety regulations, readers can visit the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) website, which provides the latest rules, safety guidelines, and news for travelers and industry professionals.
Conclusion: A Turning Point for Indian Aviation Safety
The Air India crash has forced Indian lawmakers, regulators, and airlines to confront serious questions about aviation safety. The upcoming review is expected to be a turning point, with the potential to bring about lasting reforms that will make flying safer for everyone. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the focus on regulatory enforcement, maintenance standards, and pilot scheduling could help restore confidence in India’s aviation sector and set new standards for safety.
For passengers, the most important takeaway is to stay informed about airline safety measures and any changes to flight schedules. For airlines and regulators, the challenge is to act quickly and decisively to prevent future tragedies. The eyes of the nation—and the world—will be on India as it works to rebuild trust and ensure that such a disaster never happens again.
Actionable Steps for Readers:
– Check airline safety updates: Before booking flights, review the latest safety information from airlines and the DGCA.
– Monitor official announcements: Stay updated on the results of the parliamentary review and AAIB investigation.
– Know your rights: If your flight is cancelled or delayed, understand your options for refunds or rebooking.
By following these steps and keeping informed, travelers and industry professionals can play a part in supporting safer skies for India and beyond.
Learn Today
Air India flight AI171 → The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner that crashed near Ahmedabad, killing all onboard and some on the ground.
Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) → India’s aviation regulator responsible for enforcing safety rules and inspecting airlines.
Cockpit voice recorder → A device that records audio from the aircraft cockpit during flight for accident investigations.
Flight Data Recorder → Equipment that logs flight parameters, used to analyze incidents and crashes.
Ram Air Turbine (RAT) → Emergency power system deployed during aircraft failures to provide crucial electrical power.
This Article in a Nutshell
Following the June 2025 Air India crash killing 275 people, Indian lawmakers will review aviation safety comprehensively on July 9, targeting regulations, enforcement, and pilot fatigue to restore trust and prevent future disasters in India’s rapidly growing aviation sector.
— By VisaVerge.com
