DGCA Reports 889 Aircraft Technical Defects in 2024, Safety Oversight Enhanced
By Business Desk
India’s DGCA recorded 889 aircraft technical defects in 2024, a significant increase from 692 in 2023. Enhanced safety oversight is now in effect.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has reported a significant surge in serious technical defects affecting flights, with 889 incidents recorded in 2024. This figure marks a notable increase from the 692 defects identified in 2023.
Key Technical Defect Statistics
- Technical defects recorded in 2024: 889
- Technical defects recorded in 2023: 692 (also 487 reported for 2023 in a different context)
- Technical defects recorded in 2022: 528
- Technical defects recorded in 2021: 514
These statistics were disclosed by Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol in the Lok Sabha on August 6. The information came in response to inquiries from Congress member Shyamkumar Daulat Barve, highlighting parliamentary scrutiny on aviation safety.
DGCA’s Safety Oversight Framework
The DGCA maintains a comprehensive safety oversight mechanism designed to ensure secure aircraft operations across India. This framework involves several layers of regulatory and inspection activities.
- Implementation of Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs).
- Issuance of safety advisories and other regulatory measures.
- Conducting regulatory audits and night surveillance.
- Performing ramp inspections and spot checks.
- Executing special audits to address specific concerns.
Furthermore, the regulator publishes an Annual Surveillance Plan (ASP) directly on its website, detailing its scheduled oversight activities. This plan outlines the proactive steps taken to monitor and enforce safety standards within the aviation sector.
Enforcement Actions on Safety Violations
Beyond proactive surveillance, the DGCA actively takes enforcement actions against safety infractions. These measures target airlines and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) organizations found in non-compliance.
- 42 cases of safety violations acted upon “last year”.
- 31 cases in 2024.
- 24 cases in 2023.
- 7 cases in 2022.
- 1 case in 2021.
The consistent increase in enforcement actions reflects the DGCA’s commitment to upholding stringent safety protocols. This trend indicates intensified scrutiny and a proactive approach to addressing non-compliance within the aviation industry.