The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a show-cause notice to Air India for operating multiple flights between Delhi and Tokyo despite being aware of serious safety and compliance lapses. The aviation regulator has given the airline's cockpit crew two weeks to provide an explanation for the violations.

Notice Details and Flight Operations

The notice, issued on December 29, pertains to several operations involving specific Air India flights and aircraft safety compliance issues.

Safety Violations and Compliance Issues

The DGCA has flagged multiple safety concerns related to Air India's operations. The Minimum Equipment List applicable to the aircraft was found to be incompatible, creating potential safety risks during flight operations.

The regulator emphasized that this was not an isolated incident, stating that similar issues had been detected on other sectors in the past. The notice specifically mentions non-compliance with MEL requirements for a flight operated on June 28.

Regulatory Action and Consequences

The aviation watchdog has asked the pilots to explain why action should not be initiated against them under the Aircraft Rules and Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR). The DGCA has flagged safety concerns related to aircraft dispatch, MEL compliance, and flight crew decision-making during the operation of flights AI-258 and AI-357.

Pattern of Safety Issues

The regulator's action highlights a concerning pattern of safety lapses at Air India. The DGCA has specifically noted that the airline operated the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner despite repetitive technical snags, raising questions about the carrier's maintenance and safety protocols.

This regulatory intervention underscores the aviation authority's commitment to maintaining strict safety standards and ensuring airlines comply with established operational requirements for passenger safety.

InterGlobe Aviation , India's largest airline operating under the IndiGo brand, is experiencing mixed market conditions as recent air traffic data shows a concerning trend despite the carrier's strong 2025 performance. The airline faces recovery challenges with air traffic failing to recover and declining 5% in the last 10 days, creating investor uncertainty about near-term prospects.

Recent Traffic Decline Amid Strong Annual Performance

While IndiGo achieved record performance in 2025, recent operational data indicates headwinds in air traffic recovery. The airline's traffic metrics show a notable decline over the past 10 days, highlighting the volatile nature of the aviation sector.

Despite the recent traffic challenges, IndiGo's 2025 performance remained robust, carrying 123 million passengers compared to 113 million in 2024, representing an 8.85% year-over-year growth.

International Expansion Continues Despite Headwinds

IndiGo's international growth strategy remains on track with significant expansion plans for 2026. The airline is preparing for its Athens service launch on January 23, 2026, marking the international debut of India's first Airbus A321XLR aircraft.

The airline added 10 new international destinations in 2025, including routes to Seychelles, Krabi, Madinah, Fujairah, and Siem Reap, while also restarting China routes from Kolkata and Delhi.

Fleet Modernization and Network Expansion

IndiGo has significantly expanded its operational capabilities despite current traffic challenges. The airline doubled its order for Airbus A350-900 wide-body aircraft to 60 units and expanded its dual-class IndiGoStretch cabins across 42 aircraft.

Domestically, the airline strengthened connectivity by launching operations at Navi Mumbai, Purnea, and Rewa, while adding routes to Hindon, Adampur, Kishangarh, and Bikaner.

Market Position and Future Outlook

Despite recent traffic recovery challenges, IndiGo maintained its market leadership position with industry-leading on-time performance for 10 out of 12 months in 2025. The airline transported over 55,000 tonnes of cargo and generated more than USD 10 billion in annual revenue.

The carrier was recognized as Best Airline in India and South Asia at the Skytrax World Airline Awards, continuing to rank among the top 20 airlines globally. With the upcoming A321XLR induction and ongoing international expansion, IndiGo remains positioned for long-term growth despite short-term traffic volatility.