The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a warning to IndiGo after identifying several instances of non-compliance in the handling and transportation of dangerous goods. The aviation regulator has directed the airline to improve its training systems, strengthen competency assessments and submit an action taken report within 30 days, per a report by Financial Express.
The action follows a special audit carried out at IndiGo’s engineering stores facility in Delhi after a cargo spillage was detected on the ground following the arrival of one of its flights in January 2026.
Also Read | No check-in bag, lower fare: IndiGo launches new ‘Lite’ option
Audit flags safety compliance issues
According to the DGCA, the audit found deviations from standard operating procedures (SOPs) as well as certain provisions of the Aircraft (Carriage of Dangerous Goods) Rules, 2026.
In a statement issued on Friday, the regulator said it had observed multiple regulatory non-compliances in the handling of company material (COMAT) classified as dangerous goods and transported on the airline’s own aircraft.
The DGCA has now asked the airline to address these shortcomings by strengthening operational practices related to dangerous goods handling.
Regulator orders improved training
Based on the audit findings, the aviation regulator has instructed IndiGo to review its dangerous goods training programme by introducing more practical exercises and operational scenarios.
The airline has also been directed to conduct recurrent training for personnel involved in handling COMAT dangerous goods at Delhi airport. In addition, the DGCA has asked IndiGo to strengthen its Continuous Competency Assessment (CCA) system and submit a detailed action taken report within 30 days.
Also Read | IndiGo aircraft hit by lightning during storm at Kolkata airport, passengers safe
The carriage of dangerous goods by air is governed by strict regulations covering packaging, storage, handling and transportation to minimise operational and safety risks.
IndiGo responds
In a regulatory filing, InterGlobe Aviation, the parent company of IndiGo, said it had received the DGCA’s warning letter on July 8 and would comply with the regulator’s directions, Financial Express reported.
The airline said it would submit an action taken report outlining the corrective steps implemented.
IndiGo also informed investors that the warning is not expected to have any material impact on its financial position, operations or overall business.
“The delay in disclosure was unintentional and was caused due to a delay in internal communication of details pertaining to receipt of the aforementioned letter,” the airline said, according to PTI.
FAQs:
Why did the DGCA issue a warning to IndiGo?
The regulator found multiple non-compliances in the airline’s handling and carriage of dangerous goods.
What has the DGCA directed IndiGo to do?
IndiGo has been asked to strengthen training, improve competency assessments and submit an action taken report within 30 days.