DGCA audit uncovers safety violations across major airports

NEW DELHI: Regulator DGCA has uncovered a range of safety violations across major airports, including those in Delhi and Mumbai, during an audit of country's civil aviation ecosystem. DGCA found aircraft taking off with worn tyres, faded runway markings, and vehicles operating on tarmacs without speed governors, among other critical lapses.

"Showcause notices are being issued, and airlines and airport operators must implement corrective measures within 7 days. Similar inspections are underway in Kolkata and Hyderabad. The message is very simple to each stakeholder: no compromise with safety will be permitted in any sphere and any lapse will invite strict action," an official said.

Two DGCA teams conducted intensive surveillance at IGI airport & Mumbai's CSMIA. Their review spanned flight ops, airworthiness, ramp safety, ATC, & pre-flight medical checks.

The DGCA audit found that multiple aircraft showed recurring technical faults due to ineffective rectification; maintenance engineers were absent during snag rectifications, and prescribed work orders were ignored; runway centreline markings had faded.