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The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), a regulatory body under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, primarily deals with safety issues in the aviation space. It is responsible for the regulation of air transport services to/from/within India and for enforcement of civil air regulations, air safety, and airworthiness standards. The DGCA also coordinates all regulatory functions with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). It was formed under the Aircraft (Amendment) Bill, 2020 and is headquartered in New Delhi. DGCA investigates aviation accidents and incidents, maintains all regulations related to aviation and is responsible for the issuance of licences pertaining to aviation. It has fourteen Regional Airworthiness Offices (RAO) and five Regional Air Safety offices. However, soon the government is planning to replace the organisation with a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), modelled on the lines of the American Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). At present, the DGCA is understaffed and does not have any recruitment powers. The CAA will have administrative and financial powers similar to those of the American FAA. These powers will redefine the regulator's role and better equip it to face the challenges of the growing Aviation sector in the country. Employees working with DGCA will be transferred to the CAA. More
"In light of an observation by the regulatory authority, we have proactively withdrawn one of our aircraft from operations for any necessary fixes," an Air India Express spokesperson said.
The court was hearing a public interest litigation filed by Sabari Roy Lenka and others, who alleged that the DGCA had decided to place the revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules in abeyance.
Herter has served as IndiGo’s senior vice president since July 2023 and is among the airline’s senior leadership
In a move described as uncommon, the DGCA imposed a financial penalty of Rs 20.40 crore for violations spanning 68 days, from December 5, 2025 to February 10, 2026
The DGCA investigation found that the airline's management failed to properly assess the impact of implementing revised Flight Duty Time Limitation rules during the winter schedule.
DGCA restricts the use of power banks on flights over lithium battery fire risks. Here’s what passengers need to know about the new aviation safety rules.
The aviation disruptions in India stem from operational and regulatory failures, highlighting the need for stronger DGCA oversight, rather than competition law, to address structural issues and protect passengers
Concerns around regulatory capability have also been sharpened by a fatal Air India crash earlier this year.
The action was taken after preliminary findings indicated lapses in oversight relating to the airline’s recent operational crisis.
The chairman also apologized unconditionally to the passengers for massive operational meltdown, admitting that the carrier has 'let the customers down'
Based on data for actual average number of flights a day, the real impact of the cutback is just 2.35% or around 5,600 flights
The regulator has also set up a multi-member Oversight Team that will be stationed at IndiGo’s corporate office in Gurugram to examine various operational parameters, including the airline’s fleet, pilot strength, crew utilisation and instances of unplanned leave
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has formed a four-member committee to probe aspects on IndiGo’s crew planning, operational readiness and compliance with the new FDTL norms
IndiGo has asked DGCA for more time to provide a comprehensive and conclusive explanation.
The phased FDTL norms were introduced to prevent pilot fatigue and improve flight safety.
The IndiGo disruption illustrates how a duopolistic aviation sector can transmit private failure into national economic friction. India’s regulatory architecture remains reactive where it must become preventive
IndiGo increased its departures per week by 6% to 15,014 in the winter schedule, as compared to 14,158 departures per week during the summer schedule
The country's largest airline, IndiGo, on Wednesday cancelled more than 100 flights at various airports and scores of services were delayed.
A total of 338 A320 family aircraft with the three Indian airlines — IndiGo, Air India and Air India Express — were initially identified for the software upgrades to address the issue.
Several carriers operating in India have assured travellers that safety protocols are being followed as the ash cloud gradually approaches Indian airspace
The plume, generated by the volcano's explosive activity, is travelling at 100-120 km/h
The new framework — introduced under the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) — will apply to all scheduled and non-scheduled domestic operators, as well as international carriers operating from India.
During this period, passengers can cancel or amend the ticket without any additional charges, except for the normal prevailing fare for the revised flight for which the ticket is sought to be amended.
The airlines shall ensure that the refund process is completed within 21 working days, the regulator said as it mooted changes in the Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) pertaining to the refund of air tickets.
Currently, the Indian regulator operates with limited manpower resources and funding that’s a fraction of what its global peers receive
