Between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022, aircraft in India faced 478 technical issues. Air India has faced 184 breakdowns, the highest among Indian airlines, Minister of State at the Ministry of Civil Aviation VK Singh told Rajya Sabha on Monday. Tiruchi Siva, a member of Rajya Sabha from Tamil Nadu, posed the question.

“In the last year from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, a total of 478 technical issues were reported,” Singh said.

Indigo followed Air India with 98 disruptions. Spicejet faced 77 such disruptions, ranking third on the list

“An aircraft may experience technical issues due to malfunctions of components/equipment fitted to the aircraft, which airlines must address to continue to provide a safe, efficient and reliable air transport service. These technical issues are reported by the flight crew when they receive an audible/visual warning in the cockpit or an indication of an inoperable/faulty system or of difficulties in handling/operating the aircraft,” added Singh.

In another response, Singh said that between April 1, 2022 and July 25, 2022, only 27 security-related issues were reported, although there were 478 incidents.

“In the last year (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022), a total of 177 surveillance exercises, 497 spot checks and 169 night surveillance exercises on technical and maintenance aspects of scheduled operators were conducted by the DGCA,” Singh added.

Singh also said that appropriate action had been taken against the airlines in 21 cases where violations were identified. This includes suspension of license, revocation of job holder, issuance of warning letters, etc.

Based on the assessment by the DGCA, the Ministry issued a complaint against Spicejet for cause. From July 27, 2022, the airline is scheduled to operate 50 percent of flights for eight weeks.