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New Delhi, Dec 2: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has begun an inquiry into an Air India aircraft that was deemed unfit for flight yet operated at least eight times before being grounded. The airline expressed regret over the situation and announced a thorough internal investigation.

The Airbus A320 in question was reportedly flown with an expired airworthiness certificate multiple times last month before the issue was identified and the aircraft was subsequently grounded. It will remain out of service while the DGCA conducts its investigation.

The DGCA issues the Certificate of Airworthiness, which must be renewed annually, contingent upon the aircraft being in a safe condition for operation.

Aviation officials have indicated that flying an aircraft without valid licenses and certifications is a serious violation.

In a statement, Air India acknowledged the incident, stating, “It is regrettable that one of our aircraft operated without a valid airworthiness review certificate.”

“Upon discovering this issue, we promptly informed the DGCA, and all personnel involved in this decision have been suspended pending further investigation. We are fully cooperating with the regulatory body,” an Air India representative stated.

The airline emphasized its commitment to upholding the highest standards of safety and operational integrity, asserting that any breach of compliance protocols is treated with the utmost seriousness and is unacceptable.

Earlier this year, Air India Flight 171 tragically crashed just 32 seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad to London on June 12, resulting in the death of 19 individuals on the ground and serious injuries to 67 others. Of the 12 crew members and 229 passengers aboard, only one passenger survived.

Air India reported that 95 percent of the families affected by the Flight 171 incident have received interim compensation.