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The Latest Breaking News from DGCA

Air India makes psychoactive substance testing mandatory for pilots after Phuket incident

Air India now mandates psychoactive substance testing for all pilots. This new internal measure enhances safety protocols beyond DGCA requirements. Previously, the airline followed DGCA rules for random testing of personnel. The Phuket incident prompted Air India to tighten its internal safety checks.

The Economic Times

Centre asks Air India to ‘take responsibility’ after Phuket-Delhi flight scare; orders tighter dope checks: Report

The government has warned Air India to “take responsibility” for safety after the August 4 Phuket-Delhi flight scare and ordered DGCA to tighten aviation personnel’s drug-testing rules. The regulator has been asked to expand mandatory testing and impose tougher penalties for genuine drug violations while allowing more chances in medicine-related…

The Economic Times

Air India pilot on Phuket-Delhi flight tests 'positive' for marijuana: Report

The pilot-in-command of an Air India Phuket-Delhi flight tested positive for marijuana after a recent incident. This confirmatory test followed an initial non-negative screening report received upon arrival. The incident occurred on a Phuket-Delhi flight which experienced a sudden loss of altitude. The AAIB is investigating the circumstances surrounding the…

The Economic Times

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What Is a 'Non-Negative' Dope Test? Air India Pilot Grounded After Flight Dropped 300 Feet, Injuring 17

Pilot's sample sent for confirmatory testing after Air India flight AI2379 dropped 300 feet during turbulence, injuring 17 people.

International Business Times UK

Air India Phuket-Delhi flight case flagged as 'serious incident', AAIB probing sudden altitude loss

An Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi experienced a sudden altitude loss during cruise. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is now investigating this serious incident. Both pilots have been taken off roster by the DGCA pending the investigation. Some passengers and cabin crew sustained minor injuries during the event.…

The Economic Times

DGCA records 889 serious tech defects in flights last year

The DGCA recorded 889 serious technical defects in flights last year. This number increased significantly from 692 such faults noted in 2024. The aviation watchdog also took action for safety violations in 42 cases. These actions were against airlines and MRO operators last year. The DGCA maintains a systematic safety…

The Economic Times

Air India says not in position to comment on screening test results on pilot of Phuket-Delhi flight

Air India said it has not received the results of a post-flight drug screening conducted on pilots of the turbulence-hit Phuket-Delhi flight and therefore cannot comment on reports of an alleged failed test. The Federation of Indian Pilots also urged caution, saying the results remain unconfirmed. The DGCA is probing…

The Economic Times

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Air India's Phuket-Delhi turbulence-hit flight captain may have failed dope test

A captain on an Air India flight reportedly tested positive for psychoactive substances. This follows a severe turbulence incident that occurred near Odisha. The airline has not confirmed the test results, stating they were not shared. Pilots involved are currently off flying duty pending the ongoing investigation. The Directorate General…

The Economic Times

India aims to see electric air taxis fly by 2028, testing to gather pace next year: Union Civil Aviation Minister

India aims for electric air taxis to fly by 2028, with testing accelerating next year. Electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft offer new mobility for major congested cities. Sarla Aviation is developing a six-passenger eVTOL aircraft with seven electric motors. Affordability and safety are key for commercial viability, with localization…

The Economic Times

Federation of Indian Pilots writes to PM Modi, proposes Civil Aviation Authority

Indian pilots propose a new Civil Aviation Authority to enhance regulatory independence. This move addresses international concerns and the aviation sector's rapid expansion. The proposed body would replace the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. It aims for greater financial and administrative autonomy in aviation oversight. This initiative seeks to strengthen…

The Economic Times

Air India Phuket-Delhi flight hits turbulence, passengers injured; flyer complains to DGCA

A passenger filed a complaint with the DGCA after turbulence injured family members. The Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi experienced a sudden drop. Two elderly relatives sustained injuries, including a rib and suspected spinal issue. The passenger questioned the decision to continue the flight to Delhi.

The Economic Times

DGCA probing Air India turbulence, data and voice recorders in custody: Civil Aviation Minister Naidu

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is investigating severe turbulence on an Air India flight. The aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude during its journey from Phuket. Medical teams attended to injured passengers and crew immediately upon arrival in Delhi. Several individuals were admitted to hospitals for further medical…

The Economic Times

DGCA likely to mandate carbon emissions reporting for international flights; India advances SAF blending roadmap

India's aviation authority will soon require reporting of 90 percent of annual carbon emissions. This move supports global sustainability requirements under the CORSIA mandate. The nation has agreed to SAF blending targets for international flights by 2027. Domestic SAF production is advancing with refinery readiness and private sector involvement.

The Economic Times

India to get 11 new flying schools to tackle India's 30000+ pilot shortage

Airports Authority of India awarded eleven new flying training slots with an aim to boost domestic pilot training capacity. The expansion will help meet the projected demand for over thirty thousand pilots. New facilities will add hundreds of training aircraft and simulators. This initiative will reduce foreign training dependence and…

The Economic Times

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The Economic Times

Centre pulls up DGCA over lapses in hiring process

India's aviation ministry has reprimanded its safety regulator for failing to prevent conflicts of interest. Officials' relatives are working in the aviation sector, raising concerns about potential influence. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation faces scrutiny over delayed disclosures of these family placements. This situation arises amid rapid growth and…

The Economic Times

DGCA issues 1,331 commercial pilot licences this year till June end: Government

As of June 30 this year, the DGCA has granted 1,331 commercial pilot licences, with 41% of the cadets receiving their training abroad. In total, 791 licences were issued to those trained by Indian flying organizations. While recent years have seen a rise in licences granted, the government is actively…

The Economic Times

DGCA to introduce digital platform for incident reporting, says Civil Aviation Minister

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is developing a digital incident reporting platform on the eGCA portal to enable electronic submission and faster processing of mandatory occurrence reports, Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu told the Rajya Sabha.

The Economic Times

Pilots' grouping ALPA India seeks suspension of Indian airlines' flights to West Asia

In March this year also, the Airline Pilots' Association of India (ALPA India) had asked the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to adopt a precautionary approach in view of the evolving military situation and the increasing risks to civil aviation in West Asia.

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The Economic Times

SpiceJet lessors seek to take back 4 planes; airline says deregistration will save costs

Lessors have asked DGCA to deregister four SpiceJet Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft. These planes have remained non-operational for a prolonged period due to engine issues. Deregistration will eliminate lease rental costs for the grounded assets. SpiceJet stated there is no impact on current airline operations. The airline continues discussions with…

The Economic Times

Flight status delayed or cancelled due to heavy rain? Here's when you can claim a refund, free meals and hotel accommodation

Indian passengers have rights during monsoon flight disruptions. Airlines must offer refunds or alternative flights for cancellations due to weather. Passengers are entitled to meals and accommodation for significant delays. Bookings made via travel agents still guarantee refunds from the airline. Passengers can escalate unresolved refund issues through official channels.

The Economic Times

IndiGo gets DGCA warning over cargo spillage, dangerous goods rule violations

IndiGo's parent company received a DGCA warning letter for procedural deviations. This followed an audit after a cargo spillage incident occurred in January. The airline must now submit an action taken report to the aviation regulator. No penalties or sanctions were imposed by the DGCA on the airline. The company…

The Economic Times

Indian airlines flew 1.53 crore domestic passengers in May: DGCA data

In May, Indian airlines welcomed more than 1.53 crore domestic travelers, marking an impressive growth of over eleven percent from April. IndiGo continued to dominate the market share, while Air India Group also saw a rise. IndiGo's on-time performance outshone its competitors, including Akasa Air and Air India, although numerous…

The Economic Times

India achieves major milestone: Helicopters can now land without radar as DGCA clears satellite-based navigation system

India has achieved a significant aviation milestone with the approval of its first Private Point-in-Space (PinS) instrument approach procedure for helicopters at Undavalli Heliport. This satellite-based technology allows for safe and accurate landings, especially in challenging weather or remote locations. The innovation is set to boost helicopter operations across various…

The Economic Times

Private jet operators seek relaxations in FDTL, EDTO norms

Aviation regulator DGCA is poised to form a committee to review pilot flight duty norms for chartered flights following a request from the Business Aircraft Operators Association (BAOA). The association seeks relaxations, including aligning long-range business jet rules with global standards and extending Extended Diversion Time Operations (EDTO) from 90…

The Economic Times

DGCA conducts first satellite-based landing system approach on jet aircraft in India using GAGAN

India has achieved a major aviation milestone with its first-ever satellite-based landing system approach on a jet aircraft. An IndiGo Airbus A320 successfully used the GAGAN system for a precision landing in Udaipur, marking a leap from previous turboprop-only operations. This advancement, developed by ISRO and AAI, enhances navigation accuracy…

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