India’s aviation sector faces a critical moment as the Ministry of Civil Aviation reports more than 2,000 technical faults across commercial airlines in just five years. The recent fatal crash of Air India Flight 171 in June 2025, along with a surge in technical incidents, has put airline safety and government oversight under the spotlight. The Civil Aviation Ministry and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have responded with new rules, stricter inspections, and direct engagement with airline management to address these urgent concerns.
Rising Technical Faults and Airline Trends
Between 2021 and mid-2025, Indian airlines reported a total of 2,094 technical defects. This number, released by the Civil Aviation Ministry, covers all scheduled commercial airlines and shows a steady stream of incidents each year:
- 2021: 514 faults
- 2022: 528 faults
- 2023: 448 faults
- 2024: 421 faults
- 2025 (Jan–mid-July): 183 faults
Among all airlines, IndiGo stands out with the highest number of reported defects. In 2023, IndiGo reported 246 technical faults, which dropped to 46 in 2024 but rose again to 62 in just the first half of 2025. SpiceJet saw high numbers in 2021 and 2022 (170 and 143, respectively) but has reported only single-digit faults so far in 2025. The Air India group (including Air India and Air India Express) has experienced a dramatic increase, from 76 faults in 2021 to 253 in 2024, and already 85 in 2025, with Air India Express alone accounting for 61 of these.
Recent Major Incidents and Government Response
The most tragic event in recent years was the crash of Air India Flight 171 on June 12, 2025. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, departing from Ahmedabad, crashed and resulted in 241 deaths out of 242 people on board, as well as several fatalities on the ground. This disaster is the deadliest in Indian civil aviation in a decade and has triggered a wave of regulatory action.
Immediately after the crash, the DGCA ordered urgent technical inspections of all Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 Dreamliners in India. By June 14, 2025, 8 out of 33 Dreamliners had been inspected, with the rest scheduled for priority checks. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and a high-level committee under the Union Home Secretary are leading parallel investigations—one focusing on technical causes and the other on broader policy issues.
In the weeks following the crash, several other technical incidents occurred, including engine failures, aborted takeoffs, and runway excursions involving Air India and Air India Express. These repeated problems prompted the Civil Aviation Ministry to hold direct meetings with airline management, especially Air India, demanding immediate improvements in safety standards.
Policy Changes and New Safety Rules
The government has responded with several important policy changes and announcements:
- Aircraft (Demolition of Obstructions) Rules, 2025 (Draft): Released on June 19, 2025, these draft rules give authorities the power to remove or reduce the height of buildings, trees, or other obstacles near airports. The goal is to improve safety for aircraft during takeoff and landing. The rules include a formal notice and appeals process, with strict deadlines and compensation only for property owners who comply with the law.
- Enhanced DGCA Oversight: The DGCA has increased its surveillance of maintenance procedures and airworthiness checks for all wide-body aircraft, not just Dreamliners. This means more frequent inspections and stricter enforcement of safety standards.
- Mandatory Reporting and Rectification: Airlines must report every technical defect to the DGCA, following the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR). If an airline fails to comply, the DGCA can order mandatory repairs and increase oversight.
- Direct Government Engagement: The Civil Aviation Ministry now holds regular meetings with airline management to enforce safety rules. Airlines have been given a one-month deadline to reassess their operations, with follow-up reviews scheduled to ensure compliance.
- International Standards Alignment: The Civil Aviation Minister has stated that India’s aviation safety regulations are regularly updated to match the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the European Union (EU).
How Technical Faults Are Reported and Managed
The process for handling technical faults in Indian aviation is clear and involves several steps:
- Defect Detection: Maintenance staff or flight crew find a technical fault on an aircraft.
- Mandatory Reporting: The fault is reported to the DGCA, as required by the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR).
- DGCA Review: The DGCA reviews the report and may order further inspections or corrective action.
- Rectification: The airline must fix the problem and provide proof of compliance.
- Follow-up: The DGCA may conduct surprise audits or increase surveillance, especially for airlines with repeated problems or after major incidents.
This process is designed to ensure that all technical faults are addressed quickly and that airlines remain accountable for safety.
Impact on Airlines, Passengers, and Communities
The surge in technical faults and the government’s response have major effects on several groups:
- Airlines: Airlines face more inspections, stricter rules, and possible penalties for not following safety standards. Many have had to lease older planes to replace grounded aircraft, especially those affected by problems with Pratt & Whitney engines. This has increased their operating costs.
- Passengers: Travelers are dealing with more delays, cancellations, and growing concerns about safety. Passenger complaints jumped to over 5,500 in 2023 and nearly 4,000 by mid-2025. Many passengers now question whether airlines are doing enough to keep them safe.
- Aircraft Owners Near Airports: Property owners near airports may be ordered to remove or change buildings or trees that pose a risk to flight safety. The new draft rules provide a process for appeals and compensation, but only for those who follow the law.
Expert Perspectives and Industry Analysis
Regulators, industry experts, and former airline executives have all weighed in on the current crisis:
- Regulatory Authorities: Officials from the Civil Aviation Ministry and DGCA insist that India’s aviation safety framework is strong and meets international standards. However, they admit that there is always room for improvement, especially in responding quickly to new risks.
- Industry Analysts: Experts point to ongoing problems with supply chains and engine reliability, especially with Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, as a major cause of technical incidents and grounded planes.
- Former Airline Executives and Safety Experts: Many stress the need for strong management oversight and proactive action from the DGCA to restore public trust in Indian aviation.
Amit Singh, an aviation safety expert, explained, “The spike in technical faults is not just a maintenance issue. It’s about how airlines manage their fleets, train their staff, and respond to problems. The DGCA must act quickly and firmly to prevent future disasters.”
Jitender Bhargava, a former airline executive, added, “Public confidence is shaken. Airlines must be transparent about technical issues and work closely with regulators to fix them. Only then will passengers feel safe again.”
Historical Context and Future Outlook
Technical defect reports have remained high but stable since 2021. However, the number of passenger complaints spiked in 2023, and incidents involving the Air India group have risen sharply in 2024 and 2025. The June 2025 Air India Dreamliner crash is a turning point, leading to a full review of safety policies and practices.
The draft Aircraft (Demolition of Obstructions) Rules, 2025, are currently open for public comment and are expected to be finalized later this year. The high-level committee’s policy recommendations are also awaited and could lead to further changes in how aviation safety is managed in India.
What This Means for Immigration and International Travelers
For people traveling to or from India, including immigrants, students, and business travelers, these developments have real consequences. Flight delays, cancellations, and safety concerns can disrupt travel plans, affect visa timelines, and create uncertainty for families and workers moving between countries.
International students and skilled workers, who often rely on airlines like IndiGo and Air India for travel, may face extra stress due to these safety issues. Employers and educational institutions may need to adjust schedules or provide support for delayed arrivals. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these disruptions can also impact the reputation of India’s aviation sector, making it harder to attract international talent and investment.
Government Resources and Where to Find More Information
Travelers, property owners, and airline staff can find official updates and safety guidelines on the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s official website. This site provides the latest news, policy documents, and contact details for reporting concerns or seeking help.
For those involved in reporting technical faults, the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) outline the mandatory steps and responsibilities. The DGCA’s website offers access to the latest forms and guidance for airlines and maintenance staff.
Practical Steps for Passengers and Stakeholders
If you are a passenger, here are some steps you can take to stay informed and safe:
- Check Flight Status: Always check your flight status before heading to the airport, as delays and cancellations are more common during periods of increased inspections.
- Know Your Rights: If your flight is delayed or canceled, you may be entitled to compensation or assistance. Ask your airline for details.
- Report Concerns: If you notice any safety issues or have concerns about your flight, report them to airline staff or directly to the DGCA.
- Stay Updated: Follow official announcements from the Civil Aviation Ministry and DGCA for the latest safety updates.
For property owners near airports, review the draft Aircraft (Demolition of Obstructions) Rules, 2025, and be prepared for possible notices regarding buildings or trees that may pose a risk to flight safety.
Looking Ahead: Building a Safer Future
The recent surge in technical faults and the tragic Air India crash have forced India’s aviation sector to confront serious safety challenges. The Civil Aviation Ministry, DGCA, and airlines like IndiGo are under pressure to act quickly and restore public trust. Stricter rules, more inspections, and better reporting systems are steps in the right direction, but lasting change will require ongoing commitment from all stakeholders.
As India continues to grow as a global travel and business hub, ensuring the safety of its skies is more important than ever. Passengers, airlines, and government agencies must work together to build a safer, more reliable aviation system for everyone.
For more details on aviation safety regulations and updates, visit the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s official website.
By staying informed and proactive, travelers and stakeholders can help support a safer future for Indian aviation.
Learn Today
Civil Aviation Ministry → Government agency overseeing aviation safety, regulations, and policy in India.
DGCA → Directorate General of Civil Aviation, India’s regulatory body for airline safety and inspections.
Technical Fault → A defect or malfunction reported in aircraft systems or components requiring correction.
Boeing 787 Dreamliner → Modern wide-body long-haul aircraft involved in the June 2025 crash in India.
Aircraft (Demolition of Obstructions) Rules, 2025 → Draft regulation enabling removal or reduction of structures near airports to enhance safety.
This Article in a Nutshell
India’s aviation sector faces a safety crisis with rising technical faults and a deadly 2025 Air India crash. The government enacts stricter rules, increases inspections, and demands airline accountability to restore trust and improve passenger safety nationwide.
— By VisaVerge.com
