New Delhi, March 26
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed Air India to take corrective measures after the airline deployed an incorrect aircraft for a Vancouver-bound flight last week, officials said on Thursday.
The aviation regulator has also initiated action against an airline official in connection with the incident.
The issue came to light on March 19 when Air India flight AI185, operating from Delhi to Vancouver, had to return to the national capital after being airborne for more than seven hours. It was later found that the Boeing 777-200 LR aircraft used for the flight was not approved for that route, which requires a Boeing 777-300 ER.
Following the incident, the DGCA sought a detailed report from the airline and has now instructed it to implement measures to prevent such lapses in the future.
According to sources, the error occurred due to a lapse in updating operational requirements for flights to Canada.
In an earlier statement, Air India said the flight returned to Delhi due to an operational issue in line with standard procedures. The aircraft landed safely, and all passengers and crew disembarked without any incident.
