In today's world, air travel is generally considered safe, but recent incidents involving Boeing aircraft have raised multiple concerns. Particularly, technical issues in models like the Boeing 737 Max have been reported, leading even its own employees to avoid traveling on these planes.
In India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has also taken stern actions against Air India for severe lapses in safety and compliance during flights. Let's delve into the entire scenario, analyzing the actions of DGCA and social media posts highlighting these concerns.
Source: aajtak
Concerns in Boeing Aircraft: Employee Worries
Recent news has emerged that many Boeing employees, involved in crafting these aircraft parts, tend to avoid flying on them. The reason is alarming fuselage flaws. For instance, reports indicate that cracks and weak joints were found in the Boeing 737 Max 9 fuselage, which could lead to disintegration after thousands of flights.
The in-flight fuselage blowout incident in an Alaska Airlines plane in 2024 shed light on this hazard, though thankfully with no major casualties. User @Chellaney tweeted, pointing out that Boeing's poor quality control is tarnishing its reputation. Meanwhile, @TheTreeni expressed concerns about how passenger safety can be ensured when employees themselves choose not to fly in these planes. This issue has sparked heated debates within the aviation industry.
DGCA's Actions Against Air India
In India, DGCA has repeatedly fined Air India for continuous safety and compliance violations, especially when utilizing Boeing planes. Here are some notable actions against Air India from 2022 to 2024...
June 2022: A ₹10 lakh fine was imposed on Air India for allowing boarding for ticket holders without approval.
January 2023: A ₹30 lakh fine for mishandling and delay reports on the New York-Delhi flight.
February 2023: A ₹20 lakh fine for failing to provide wheelchair assistance after an elderly passenger's death.
March 2023: A fine for booking an interior seat for a friend on the Delhi-Dubai flight for three months.
October 2023: Action was taken for suspending two pilots found with unauthorized persons in the cockpit.
January 2024: A ₹30 lakh fine for the shortage of CAT-III trained pilots.
May 2024: A ₹30 lakh fine for deploying untrained pilots for long-haul flights and taking off unprepared.
These actions clearly depict DGCA's serious stance on safety negligence by Air India. A post by @bsindia highlighted frequent issues Air India has faced since privatization in 2022, including pilot training, cockpit safety, and passenger service weaknesses.
Recent Crash and Safety Concerns
The Air India crash in Ahmedabad on 12 June 2025 has exacerbated safety concerns. Out of 242 passengers, only one, 38-year-old Ramesh Vishwas Kumar, survived by escaping through the emergency exit. As reported by @Sputnik_India, this crash might be attributed to fuselage defects and maintenance lapses in the Boeing aircraft. Experts warn that unless these problems are resolved promptly, more incidents may follow.
Global Lessons
Boeing's challenges aren't confined to India alone. Lawsuits and investigations are ongoing in the US as well, concerning fuselage and door plug system defects. In India, DGCA's rigor signals that safety compromises won't be tolerated. Air India should focus on maintenance and pilot training to restore passenger confidence.
Boeing's aircraft flaws and Air India's safety breaches amplify apprehensions about air travel. Employee concerns and DGCA's actions underscore the urgent need for improvements. If not addressed promptly, this doesn't just threaten passenger safety but questions the reliability of the aviation sector.
