Strict surveillance uncovers recurring defects in major airline fleets
Passenger safety has taken center stage as the aviation watchdog in India significantly ramped up its monitoring efforts this year. Murlidhar Mohol, the Minister of State for Civil Aviation, informed the Lok Sabha on Thursday that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) executed a massive series of checks throughout the sector in 2025.
According to the data provided by the Minister, the regulator was extremely active, conducting 56 regulatory audits and a staggering 3,890 surveillance inspections. The focus was not just on domestic carriers; the DGCA also performed 84 surveillance checks on foreign aircraft and 492 ramp checks to guarantee strict compliance with global operational standards.
Recurring Defects in Aircraft
One of the most concerning revelations from the DGCA safety audits involved technical glitches. Responding to parliamentary queries, Mohol disclosed that since January 2025, recurring defects were identified in 377 aircraft. This figure is significant as these planes are part of a combined fleet of 754 aircraft operated by various scheduled airlines.
Surprise Checks and Night Surveillance
Beyond the scheduled inspections, the regulator adopted a strategy of surprise visits to keep airlines on their toes. This included 874 spot checks and 550 night surveillance checks. These unplanned measures allowed officials to monitor maintenance practices and airline operations in real-time without giving operators a chance to prepare beforehand.
Boosting Manpower and Technology
To handle this increased workload, the government has strengthened the DGCA's muscle. The number of sanctioned technical posts has jumped from 637 in 2022 to 1,063 in the current restructuring exercise.
Furthermore, technology is playing a bigger role in enforcement. A recent circular mandates the use of the eGCA portal for all surveillance activities. This digital shift ensures that the issuance and closure of Deficiency Reporting Forms and enforcement orders are tracked in real-time.
On the connectivity front, the Minister noted that no domestic airline has proposed flights to Singrauli Airport for the Winter Schedule 2025.
Image Source: Deccan Herald
