EASA Flags Technical Irregularities, Places Select Air India Aircraft Under Review

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has placed parts of the Air India fleet under heightened regulatory review after inspectors identified a series of technical and operational issues during recent assessments. The findings, outlined in inspection reports shared with the airline, point primarily to minor technical discrepancies and cabin‑related deficiencies, many of which are linked to the carrier’s older aircraft.

EASA’s review noted several recurring issues across a number of aircraft. These included minor mechanical or electronic faults in onboard systems, missing or defective emergency equipment, and incomplete or outdated maintenance documentation. While none of the findings indicate immediate safety risks, regulators emphasised the need for corrective action to ensure full compliance with European operational standards.

Inspectors also highlighted cabin‑related concerns, such as broken or loose seat fittings, worn or faded emergency signage, and minor defects in lavatories and other passenger‑service areas. These issues, though not critical to flight safety, fall under mandatory cabin safety and serviceability requirements.

In addition to aircraft‑level findings, EASA’s review identified gaps in pilot and crew documentation, including missing records and minor inconsistencies in operational procedures. Such discrepancies typically relate to administrative oversight rather than operational performance but nonetheless require rectification under European regulatory frameworks.

The report notes that older aircraft within the Air India fleet were more frequently associated with the recorded issues, reflecting the higher maintenance demands and wear‑related challenges typical of aging airframes. Regulators observed that minor technical and cabin defects tend to appear more often on older aircraft, underscoring the importance of rigorous upkeep and documentation.