Aircraft defects reported by airlines up until July 21, 2025, reached a total of 183.
In the realm of Indian aviation, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and various airlines are working diligently to ensure the safety of passengers by addressing technical defects in a timely and effective manner.
According to a recent disclosure by the Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, a total of 147 technical defects were reported by IndiGo and Air India in 2022. This figure is a part of a larger trend, with a total of 528 technical defects reported in 2022, 514 in 2021, 448 in 2023, and 421 in 2024. However, it is important to note that the figures for 2021 do not include those of Alliance Air and erstwhile Vistara, unlike the data for the subsequent years.
Akasa Air, a new entrant in the aviation industry, reported 28 technical defects in 2022, as the airline became operational during that year. SpiceJet reported 8 technical defects during the same period. Unfortunately, no new information about the number of technical defects reported by individual airlines in 2021 was provided.
The investigation of major defects is of utmost importance to prevent potential accidents and ensure the safety of passengers. The DGCA carries out meticulous examinations of aircraft maintenance logs, flight data recorders (FDR), cockpit voice recorders (CVR), and defect reports filed by flight crews. In high-profile cases, investigators review patterns of recurring technical issues, maintenance records, and specific incidents logged by crews.
Following the discovery of major defects, the DGCA mandates targeted inspections and adherence to manufacturer service bulletins. Airlines then conduct internal engineering inspections and maintenance module replacements as per manufacturer schedules. Defect resolution involves troubleshooting by maintenance engineers who work from defect reports logged by flight crews, carrying out necessary repairs, and clearing the aircraft for subsequent flights once the defects are rectified.
Regulatory bodies enforce mandatory inspections and audits post-incident, mandate adherence to manufacturer service bulletins, and foster thorough investigations by expert panels including independent aviation authorities. These measures aim to detect, investigate, and rectify defects efficiently while ensuring airline accountability and maintaining aviation safety standards in India.
Additional measures include pilot training enhancements focusing on understanding and managing complex system failures, reflecting lessons learned from incidents involving technical malfunctions. The regulatory scrutiny and airline responses typically involve revising safety directives, increasing safety audits, and reinforcing maintenance protocols to prevent recurrence and assure passenger safety.
In summary, the Indian aviation sector is committed to maintaining the highest safety standards. By identifying technical defects, conducting thorough investigations, and taking prompt corrective action, the DGCA and airlines are working together to ensure a safe and reliable flying experience for all passengers.
The financial consequences of addressing these technical defects in the Indian aviation industry are significant, as the reported figures for 2022, 2021, 2023, and 2024 reveal. Moreover, the industry's financial health is intertwined with the performance of other sectors, such as transportation, as the resolution of technical issues directly impacts the overall efficiency of air travel.
