By BullScreen Editorial Team 
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has flagged multiple safety lapses in Air India aircraft following surprise inspections at European airports, according to sources familiar with the matter.
In January, the ratio of findings per inspection for Air India planes reached 1.96, prompting EASA to alert India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The regulator immediately imposed corrective measures, and subsequent inspections show an improvement, with the ratio dropping to 1.76 last week. Airlines with high safety standards typically maintain a ratio below 1.
Under the Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft (SAFA) programme, EASA inspectors check around 54 safety and operational parameters, including emergency equipment, documentation, and crew compliance. Findings are weighted from minor to critical, with Category 3 issues requiring immediate rectification.
Air India, owned by Tata Group, has attributed many of the lapses to its aging fleet. A $400 million refurbishment programme has been delayed due to global supply chain constraints. The airline has also intensified DGCA inspections and engaged Singapore Airlines Engineering Company to bolster safety and maintenance oversight.
The regulatory scrutiny highlights the operational and engineering challenges Air India faces, particularly on European routes, as Tata Sons works to strengthen compliance and reliability in its international operations.