Two former employees of Air India have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging they were terminated for reporting a critical safety flaw in one of the airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The ex-staffers claim the airline retaliated against them after they flagged a door arming/disarming system glitch that posed a risk to passenger safety.
The detailed letter, which has now reached the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), outlines how their attempts to report the issue through internal channels were ignored. When they escalated the matter, they were allegedly dismissed under vague charges of insubordination and misconduct.
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Safety Issue or Systemic Suppression?
According to the letter, the glitch involved the automated door system not responding as per standard safety protocols during a routine check. The ex-staffers, both from the engineering division, insisted that this malfunction could compromise emergency procedures.
The employees claimed they had documented evidence and requested a formal review of the aircraft. However, they allege that instead of investigating the fault, the airline initiated disciplinary proceedings and eventually terminated their employment without a formal inquiry.
In response, Air India has not issued a public comment. The matter is reportedly under preliminary examination by the DGCA, and sources indicate that a technical audit of Dreamliner aircraft within Air India’s fleet could follow if warranted.
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DGCA and Government Response Awaited
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has reportedly acknowledged receipt of the complaint and forwarded it to the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Aviation analysts suggest that if the allegations are substantiated, this could prompt a wider probe into whistleblower protections and operational transparency in Indian aviation.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a long-haul aircraft widely used by Air India for international routes. This latest controversy comes at a time when India’s aviation sector is under growing scrutiny following multiple incidents involving technical issues across various carriers.
Whistleblower protections in India’s aviation safety sector have long been a topic of concern. The case now puts pressure on regulators to ensure that engineers and maintenance staff can report critical issues without fear of reprisal.
About the Author – Anirudh Mittal is a B.Sc. LL.B. (Hons.) student at National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar, with a keen interest in corporate law and tech-driven legal change