India’s aviation regulator DGCA has issued a show-cause notice to Air India’s cockpit crew for operating multiple Delhi–Tokyo flights despite safety and compliance lapses. The notice cites incompatible minimum equipment lists and recurring technical issues, seeking an explanation within two weeks'
Representational image
India’s aviation regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), on Thursday issued a show-cause notice to the Air India cockpit crew for operating multiple flights between Delhi and Tokyo, news agency IANS reported. In its notice, the regulator stated that Air India is operating multiple flights despite being aware of safety and compliance lapses and sought a response in two weeks.
The notice pertains to operations of flight AI-357 from Delhi to Tokyo and AI-358 from Tokyo to Delhi, IANS reported.
“The Minimum Equipment List (MEL) applicable to the aircraft was incompatible,” the DGCA notice said.
Air India is yet to reply to the notice, which further mentioned that this was not an isolated incident and that similar issues had been detected in other sectors in the past.
The aviation regulator has also asked the pilots to explain why action should not be initiated against them under the Aircraft Rules and Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR).
In November 2025, following an engine shutdown on Air India’s Delhi-Mumbai flight, DGCA had called for a probe into the incident. The Mumbai-bound Air India B777-300ER aircraft returned to Delhi shortly after take-off due to a technical issue and landed safely in the national capital.
“The AIC 887 (Delhi-Mumbai) was involved in an air turnback, as during flap retraction after take-off, the flight crew observed low engine oil pressure on Engine No. 2 (right-hand engine),” DGCA mentioned.
Soon after the take-off, the engine oil pressure dropped to zero. Following the procedure, the crew shut down the No 2 engine, and the aircraft landed safely at Delhi, it added. The DGCA, while highlighting the issues, noted that “the inspection/rectification is in progress”.
The regulator further said, “The incident would be investigated by the Permanent Investigation Board of the Airline under the supervision of Director Air Safety (NR), DGCA”.
Dense fog leads to 128 flight cancellations at Delhi airport
Flight and train operations across several parts of the country were severely affected last week due to dense fog, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.
A total of 128 flights, including 64 arrivals and 64 departures, were cancelled at airport. Additionally, eight flights were diverted, while more than 30 flights were delayed due to poor visibility conditions.
(With inputs from IANS)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
