DGCA Takes Action Against Air India for Operational Lapse in Vancouver-Bound Flight
DGCA penalizes Air India after incorrect aircraft returns mid-air.
India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has directed Air India to implement corrective measures after a Vancouver-bound flight was forced to return to Delhi mid-air due to the deployment of an incorrect aircraft. The DGCA has also taken action against an airline official over the incident, a senior official confirmed to PTI on Thursday.
The incident occurred on March 19 when Air India flight AI185, operated by a Boeing 777-200LR, was en route from Delhi to Vancouver. After more than seven hours in the air, the aircraft returned to Delhi after authorities determined that the plane was not approved for the flight. The route is only authorised for the Boeing 777-300ER.
Following the incident, the DGCA requested a detailed report from Air India and emphasized that corrective measures must be put in place to prevent similar operational lapses in the future. The official noted that procedural oversight had contributed to the situation, particularly a failure to update the list of requirements for flights to Canada.
Also Read: Air India Deploys Wrong Aircraft, Flight AI185 Returns Mid-Air
Air India had issued a statement on March 20, explaining that the flight returned due to an operational issue and in accordance with established standard operating procedures. “The aircraft landed safely, and all passengers and crew had disembarked,” the statement said. There was no immediate comment from the airline on Thursday regarding the DGCA’s directive.
The episode underscores the importance of stringent compliance with aircraft-specific approvals for international flights, as regulatory lapses can result in prolonged delays, operational disruptions, and passenger inconvenience.
The DGCA has reiterated that airlines must strictly adhere to aircraft certification and operational authorizations, and further monitoring will be conducted to ensure Air India and other carriers comply with safety and operational standards.
Also Read: Seven Hours to Nowhere: London-Bound Air India Flight Forced Back to Delhi
