India’s Aviation Safety: Examining Regulatory Mechanisms and Reform Pathways After the Air India Flight Crash

The AAIB investigation into the Air India plane crash represents a critical moment for Indian aviation safety protocols. 

The recent AAIB (Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau) report on the Air India plane crash of flight AI-171 has brought aviation safety to the forefront of national discourse. The preliminary findings, citing potential cockpit confusion and engine shutdowns as critical factors in the tragic loss of 260 lives, have sparked urgent discussions about the state of Indian aviation safety protocols and the need for comprehensive reforms. This incident serves as a catalyst for examining India’s aviation sector’s remarkable growth trajectory alongside its regulatory challenges and the path forward for enhanced safety standards.

AAIB Report: Findings and Implications

The AAIB investigation into Air India Flight 171 revealed disturbing details about the June 12, 2025 crash involving the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The preliminary report highlighted that both fuel switches supplying the engines were moved from “RUN” to “CUTOFF” position within seconds, causing immediate thrust loss. The cockpit voice recordings captured the pilots’ confusion, with one questioning the fuel cutoff and the other denying any such action. The desperate mayday call broadcast before impact underscored the crew’s final attempts to regain control of the aircraft.

India’s Aviation Sector

India has emerged as a global aviation powerhouse, securing its position as the world’s third-largest aviation market with over 350 million annual passengers. India dominates South Asia’s airline traffic with a commanding 69% market share, underscoring its regional leadership in aviation.

The economic impact of Indian aviation is substantial, contributing approximately USD 53.6 billion annually and accounting for 1.5% of the nation’s GDP. Beyond direct economic contributions, the sector serves as a significant employment generator, supporting an estimated 7.7 million which is 8.9% of total employment.

The infrastructure expansion has been equally impressive, with operational airports increasing from 74 in 2014 to 157 in 2024, and ambitious plans to reach 350-400 airports by 2047. The Capital Expenditure exceeding ₹91,000 crore under the National Infrastructure Pipeline demonstrates the government’s commitment to aviation infrastructure development. The UDAN scheme has successfully operationalized 619 routes and 88 airports, facilitating affordable air travel for 1.5 crore passengers.

However, this rapid expansion has created immense pressure points across the aviation ecosystem. The Air India plane crash and subsequent investigations have revealed that safety oversight and human resource development may not be keeping pace with this aggressive growth trajectory.

Regulatory Mechanisms and Bodies in Indian Aviation

India’s civil aviation sector operates under a comprehensive regulatory framework comprising several specialized bodies, each with distinct mandates to ensure safety, security, and operational efficiency.

Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)

The DGCA serves as the primary regulatory body for civil aviation in India, with comprehensive responsibility for safety oversight and regulatory enforcement. Its key functions encompass formulating airworthiness standards, licensing aviation personnel, certifying aerodromes and air traffic management facilities, and granting Air Operator’s Certificates to airlines.

The DGCA also conducts investigations into smaller incidents and implements accident prevention measures through Safety Management System programmes. Its coordination with ICAO on regulatory functions and compliance with international standards positions it as the cornerstone of India’s aviation safety framework.

Air Authority of India (AAI)

The Air Authority of India (AAI) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, responsible for managing India’s civil aviation infrastructure. It provides air traffic management services, manages airports, and terminals. AAI is an airport developer in India, responsible for designing, developing, and operating airports, cargo terminals, and air navigation services, ensuring safety and efficiency in Indian airspace.

Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)

The AAIB, established on July 30, 2012, serves as India’s statutory investigative body under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Its primary mandate involves conducting independent investigations into aircraft accidents and serious incidents within Indian airspace. The bureau operates under the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2017, aligned with ICAO’s (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards.

The AAIB’s core functions include classifying aviation occurrences, preparing public final reports, issuing safety recommendations to the DGCA, and conducting systemic safety studies. A critical aspect of its mandate is immediate and unrestricted access to all relevant evidence without prior consent from other authorities. In the Air India Flight 171 case, the AAIB demonstrated its enhanced capabilities by successfully decoding black box data domestically for the first time with assistance from US NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board), providing crucial information within the ICAO-mandated 30-day deadline.

Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS)

The BCAS, reorganized in April 1987, serves as the regulatory authority for civil aviation security in India. Its responsibilities include establishing aviation security standards in accordance with ICAO, monitoring security implementation, and conducting surprise checks to test security preparedness across airports and airlines.

Key Challenges in Indian Aviation

The Air India plane crash has highlighted several critical challenges to the sustainability and safety of India’s aviation growth.

Human Factors and Skill Gaps

The rapid expansion of Indian aviation has created an acute shortage of skilled professionals, particularly pilots, Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, and Air Traffic Controllers. This shortage has led to extended duty hours, frequent “tail swaps” (reassignment of an aircraft due to operational necessities) and compromised training quality. Pilot fatigue, identified as a significant risk factor, impairs decision-making capabilities during critical flight phases.

The Aon 2025 APAC skills report emphasizes that India’s aviation sector expansion has outpaced the availability of qualified professionals, creating substantial workforce gaps that directly impact safety standards and operational efficiency.

Maintenance Lapses and Infrastructure Deficiencies

The pressure to maintain high flight frequencies has resulted in overstretched maintenance operations, with older aircraft being kept in service longer than optimal. Recent DGCA surveillance revealed critical maintenance violations, including improperly secured safety equipment, unserviceable systems, and inadequate adherence to mandatory safety procedures.

Infrastructure challenges persist at many regional airports, with outdated equipment, faded runway markings, and inadequate emergency response systems posing direct safety risks during critical operations.

Regulatory Shortcomings

Despite India’s improved ICAO safety ranking (from 102nd in 2018 to 48th in 2022), significant regulatory challenges remain. The DGCA operates with a concerning 53% vacancy rate, severely limiting its oversight capabilities. This understaffing has resulted in “monitoring gaps” and a predominantly reactive approach to safety management.

Way Forward

Addressing the multifaceted challenges revealed by the Air India plane crash requires a holistic approach encompassing regulatory strengthening, human resource development, and infrastructure modernization.

Strengthening Regulatory Oversight

The DGCA’s recent launch of “Comprehensive Special Audits” represents a crucial step toward integrated, risk-informed regulatory oversight. These audits must be rigorously implemented with strict enforcement measures for non-compliance. Also, enhanced transparency in audit findings and investigation reports, aligned with ICAO protocols, will build public trust and accountability. 

Enhancing Human Resource Development

The acute shortage of skilled aviation professionals requires immediate attention through expanded Flight Training Organizations and increased commercial pilot license issuance. Strict implementation of Flight Duty Time Limitations and comprehensive psychological support programs for crew members will address fatigue-related risks. 

Modernizing Infrastructure and Technology

Infrastructure upgrades must prioritize existing facilities in all airports to incorporate modern safety equipment and systems. The modernization of Air Traffic Control infrastructure with next-generation communication and navigation systems is crucial for improved traffic management. 

Fostering Proactive Safety Culture

The industry requires a fundamental shift from reactive to proactive safety management. This involves establishing regular preventive audit systems and encouraging airlines to prioritize safety of passengers. 

Conclusion

The AAIB report on the Air India plane crash serves as a critical wake-up call for Indian aviation. While the sector’s remarkable growth and economic contributions are commendable, the tragedy of Air India Flight 171 underscores the need for ensuring safety as a hallmark for a sustainable aviation sector.

The preliminary findings of the report highlight the complex interplay between human factors, advanced technology, and regulatory oversight. The mayday call from the flight represents not just a moment of crisis but a call for systemic transformation in how the industry approaches safety management.

India’s aviation sector stands at a crossroads. The path forward requires unwavering commitment to safety reforms, adequate investment in human resources and infrastructure, and a regulatory framework that can effectively oversee rapid industry growth. The lessons from this tragedy must guide the development of a more robust, proactive safety culture that ensures India’s aviation success story continues without compromising the lives of passengers and crew.

The Air India Boeing 787 incident may represent a turning point for Indian aviation safety protocols. By addressing the systemic challenges revealed by this tragedy, India can strengthen its position as a global aviation leader while ensuring that growth is underpinned by uncompromising safety standards.

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