IndiGo faces safety rating downgrade after pilot simulator training violations

Under existing regulations, airlines must ensure that simulator training for critical airports is conducted only on devices approved for the relevant aircraft model and airport.

Josh Wood, Safety and Compliance Manager at AirlineRatings said:

“Today’s development, combined with previous incidents and compliance lapses, has led to IndiGo’s safety rating being downgraded to 5 out of 7.Personally, I feel that the growth trajectory in India, coupled with rising demand and the urgent need for pilots to operate these aircraft, is leading to shortcuts within the region and eventually this will affect safety.”

In Indian aviation practice, a show-cause notice signals suspected breaches of safety or compliance requirements that require immediate explanation from an airline.

IndiGo acknowledged receipt of the notice from regulators. The airline stated: “We confirm receipt of a show-cause notice issued by the DGCA pertaining to simulator training of some of our pilots. We are in the process of reviewing the same and will respond to the regulator within the stipulated timeline. We remain committed to ensuring the highest standards of safety and compliance across our operations.”

This latest regulatory action follows similar scrutiny last year when DGCA audited IndiGo after four tail-strike incidents involving Airbus A321 aircraft over six months. After receiving a show-cause notice on July 3rd last year—which gave IndiGo 15 days to respond—the airline submitted its reply on July 19th but it was deemed unsatisfactory by authorities. As a result, DGCA imposed a fine of ₹30 lakh on IndiGo along with mandates requiring updates in documentation procedures as well as improvements in operational protocols including Flight Data Monitoring.