India investigates Air India after plane flown repeatedly without safety certificate

India’s aviation regulator said on Tuesday (Dec 2) it was investigating Air India after the airline operated an Airbus A320 aircraft eight times without a valid airworthiness review certificate, a document that ensures compliance with safety standards.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said it had also grounded the aircraft and de-rostered “concerned personnel.”

The DGCA did not specify the type of aircraft and manufacturer but a person with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters it was an Airbus single-aisle jet.

It was the latest safety lapse at the airline, which has previously been warned by the regulator over various matters, including crew fatigue management and training.

“An incident involving one of our aircraft operating without an airworthiness review certificate is regrettable,” an Air India spokesperson said in a statement, adding the airline had suspended personnel involved in the decision, pending further review.

Airbus did not immediately respond to a request for comment. REUTERS

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