Air India Faces Safety Probe Over Expired Aircraft Certificate

India's aviation regulator is investigating Air India after the airline operated an Airbus A320 aircraft multiple times without a valid safety certificate. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) launched the probe after discovering the plane flew eight times on November 24 and 25. Its Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC) had expired. An ARC is an official document confirming an aircraft meets all required safety standards. Operating an aircraft with an expired ARC is a serious regulatory violation. The DGCA has not yet commented on potential penalties. Air India, the country's flag carrier, stated it reported the lapse to the regulator immediately upon discovery. The airline grounded the involved aircraft and has completed the required recertification process.