DGCA conducts safety inspections of Turkish Airlines at major Indian airports
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) conducted a series of Safety Oversight and Ramp inspections of Turkish Airlines' passenger and cargo operations across four major Indian airports to evaluate the airline's adherence to both international and domestic aviation safety standards. The inspections were conducted in Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai and Bengaluru from May 29 to June 2 in accordance with the rules mentioned in the Convention on International Civil Aviation (ICAO).advertisementDuring the inspection, multiple compliance issues were reported against the airlines.At Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, the DGCA officials found that the marshaller responsible for ground operations did not possess the required authorisation or a valid competency card for marshalling duties, indicating a lapse in personnel training and compliance.
Aircraft MaintenanceEven at one point, it was found that no certified Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) was present during the aircraft's arrival. Instead, a technician performed the arrival procedure.Dangerous Goods HandlingDGCA officials also discovered that cargo onboard included Dangerous Goods requiring prior approval for the carriage of explosives over Indian airspace. The necessary documentation and declarations, including DGCA permission, were not found attached or cited in the Dangerous Goods Declaration.Ground Handling AgreementMoreover, at Hyderabad and Bengaluru airports, it was found that ground handling services were being provided by Globe Ground India without a formal Service Level Agreement (SLA) in place with Turkish Airlines. Additionally, ground service equipment such as ladders, trolleys, and Ground Power Units (GPUs) lacked proper tracking and handover documentation. This was particularly concerning as the services had transitioned from the previous handler, Celebi, without formal procedures.advertisementRegulatory Action and Follow-upIn response to these findings, the DGCA has instructed Turkish Airlines to take immediate corrective action and ensure full compliance with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices, as well as Indian civil aviation regulations."The DGCA remains firmly committed to safeguarding aviation safety and regulatory integrity for all foreign carriers operating in Indian airspace," a DGCA spokesperson stated. "Further follow-up inspections will be conducted as necessary to ensure continued compliance."The aviation regulator has reaffirmed that ensuring operational safety and oversight remains a top priority, especially in light of increasing international air traffic and growing reliance on third-party service providers.Must Watch
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