Govt Discloses 183 Technical Issues in Indian Flights Till July 2025; AI171 Tragedy Triggers Safety Overhaul
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India’s aviation safety has come under renewed scrutiny after the Civil Aviation Ministry informed Parliament that 183 technical glitches were reported in Indian commercial flights this year up to July 23, 2025. The update comes just weeks after the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 near Ahmedabad on June 12, which claimed 260 lives and triggered a wave of concern across the country.
The ill-fated Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick when it crashed shortly after takeoff. In the wake of the disaster, questions have resurfaced around airline safety standards, aircraft maintenance practices, and regulatory vigilance.
In response, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) intensified inspections and safety audits. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu told the Rajya Sabha that the government is actively strengthening aviation safety norms and pushing for stricter compliance among carriers.
Naidu also shared data showing a downward trend in technical glitches in recent years, though concerns remain. The number of reported issues over the past five years stands at:
- 2021: 514
- 2022: 528
- 2023: 448
- 2024: 421
- 2025 (till July 23): 183
While 2024 saw a 6% drop compared to 2023, the numbers still highlight persistent operational challenges.
Responding to a question from MP Mukul Balkrishna Wasnik, Minister Naidu clarified that the term “technical defect” covers both minor and serious issues, all of which must be reported and addressed in accordance with Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) set by the DGCA.
“All operators are mandated to maintain detailed records of technical issues—whether flagged by pilots or maintenance teams,” he said. “Major faults must be reported to the DGCA immediately for in-depth analysis.”
Alongside safety concerns, passenger dissatisfaction remains notable. Over the past five years, airlines received more than 21,000 complaints, with the peak in 2023 at 5,513. Other years saw:
- 2021: 4,131
- 2022: 3,783
- 2024: 4,016
- 2025 (till July): 3,925
These grievances include service delays, safety concerns, and poor onboard experiences, indicating that passenger confidence still needs rebuilding.
In the aftermath of the AI171 crash, the DGCA ordered urgent checks on all 33 Boeing 787-8/9 aircraft in Air India’s fleet. Of these, 31 aircraft have already been inspected, and minor faults were found in eight, which have since been fixed. The remaining two planes are grounded for routine maintenance.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a full-scale inquiry under Rule 11 of the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2017.
Minister Naidu also reassured Parliament that audits, night checks, and surprise inspections are being intensified as per DGCA’s Annual Surveillance Plan (ASP), with a renewed focus on high-risk components and systems. He emphasized that India’s aviation safety standards are being realigned with international benchmarks like those set by ICAO and EASA.
On a related note, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol shared data on helicopter accidents, revealing 12 crashes in the past five years. Uttarakhand—a hub for Char Dham pilgrimages—saw seven of these incidents, while Maharashtra recorded four and Chhattisgarh one.
To improve helicopter safety, especially in hilly regions, the DGCA has enforced tighter measures, including:
- Enhanced access control at helipads
- Improved slot and parking management
- Stricter adherence to SOPs
- Mandatory pilot training upgrades
- Frequent surveillance and inspections
The government maintains that aviation safety remains a top priority and is working to bolster both passenger trust and regulatory enforcement.
