Worn Tyres Faded Markings DGCA Flags Safety Gaps at Airports
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has flagged alarming safety and technical violations at Delhi and Mumbai airports, following a rigorous night-time audit, uncovering worn-out aircraft tyres, faded runway markings, and serious lapses in routine maintenance—raising deep concerns over passenger safety in two of India’s busiest aviation hubs, during a surprise surveillance exercise led by two DGCA teams
Several red flags were raised concerning aircraft operability, infrastructure maintenance, and ground handling operations. These included recurring unresolved technical faults in aircraft, improper storage of life vests, and unserviceable equipment—conditions that violate standard aviation protocols and risk compromising the safety of thousands of daily passengers. One aircraft was grounded after the inspection team found it operating with dangerously worn-out tyres. While repairs were swiftly made before clearance, the finding reflects a systemic breakdown in pre-flight safety checks. Even more concerning was the discovery of improperly stowed life vests beneath passenger seats on multiple flights, potentially impairing emergency evacuation procedures.
On the ground, the visual cues essential for safe landings were no better. Inspectors observed severely faded runway centreline markings, malfunctioning green taxiway lights, and outdated obstruction data—some left unreviewed for three years despite new high-rise developments near the aerodrome zone. These overlooked details could be catastrophic during low-visibility conditions or emergency landings. In a statement, the DGCA pointed out repeated aircraft defects that were neither logged properly nor rectified in line with regulatory norms. “Reported defects reappeared many times, indicating ineffective monitoring and inadequate rectification,” the report stated. This pattern, observed across aircraft and terminals, paints a disturbing picture of systemic negligence.
In addition to infrastructure issues, the audit spotlighted severe human lapses. Several Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) were found to have skipped crucial rectification protocols. Some even failed to record snag reports in aircraft logbooks—a legal requirement and a cornerstone of aviation safety documentation. The situation was further compounded by unserviceable baggage loaders and trollies that had been allowed to remain in use despite their non-operational status. Ground operations did not escape scrutiny either. Multiple ramp area vehicles were found without speed governors, a critical feature that prevents high-speed movement in sensitive airside zones. Their permits were immediately revoked, and driving licenses of offending personnel were suspended.
As part of the audit, simulator inspections for pilot training were also carried out. Shockingly, one simulator did not match the aircraft configuration it was meant to replicate, and its software was outdated—raising questions about the preparedness of airline crews trained on mismatched equipment. The Delhi and Mumbai audits come in the wake of a broader push to evaluate the health of India’s aviation sector after the recent catastrophic crash of an Air India flight en route to London, which claimed 275 lives. That incident, though unrelated in specifics, has intensified DGCA’s push for a 360-degree safety overhaul across Indian airports, airlines and training institutions.
DGCA officials said the current initiative is part of a comprehensive surveillance and compliance strategy. “This is not about punishment but prevention. We are committed to elevating safety benchmarks across the aviation sector. Similar audits are scheduled for Kolkata and Hyderabad next,” he said. Industry experts warn that India’s rapid air traffic growth must be matched with upgraded regulatory vigilance and operational discipline. “We’ve built impressive aviation capacity, but infrastructure integrity and maintenance must evolve at the same pace,” said aviation expert. “What we see here is a lapse not just in process, but in intent.”
As Indian cities aspire to global smart-city standards, airport safety and operational excellence must remain non-negotiable. Airports are not merely gateways for business and leisure—they’re critical urban infrastructure whose upkeep is directly tied to human lives and national reputation. With over 1,200 daily flights between Delhi and Mumbai alone, the implications of such findings stretch far beyond regulatory paperwork. These airports serve as national and international transit hubs. If safety falters here, the ripple effect could jeopardise the country’s entire aviation ecosystem.
DGCA has directed the concerned operators to take immediate corrective actions within seven days. The aviation regulator has also signalled a continuation of unannounced audits and tougher penalties for future violations. The agency’s actions are being closely watched by international observers, especially after India’s aviation safety ratings came under scrutiny in recent global reviews.
For India to build cities that are safe, equitable, and resilient, air transport must uphold the highest global safety standards—not just in the skies, but on the ground, where every detail matters.
