The Indian government has issued a strong directive to Air India and its parent company Tata Sons, urging them to end the practice of “backseat driving” within crucial departments tied to flight safety. In a high-level meeting on Friday, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, aviation secretary Samir Kumar Sinha, and DGCA chief Faiz Ahmed Kidwai met with Tata Sons and Air India chairman N Chandrasekaran to push for internal reform and stronger accountability following recent safety concerns.

The government emphasized that departments such as safety, training, maintenance, engineering, and the Integrated Operation Control Centre (IOCC) must be led by individuals with full decision-making authority. Officials warned against having figureheads in these roles while actual control rests with unnamed higher-ups—a practice that, they argue, undermines safety and shields those truly responsible from accountability.

The meeting follows several incidents, most notably the June 12 Air India AI 171 crash, which is still under investigation. In the weeks since, post-holders from Air India have been repeatedly summoned by regulatory agencies. However, insiders say regulators often feel helpless knowing that those appearing before them are not the ones making critical decisions. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) previously ordered the removal of three Air India officials responsible for crew scheduling, citing failures in managing crew rest and licensing requirements. The DGCA warned the airline that ongoing lapses could even result in suspension of operations.

Another issue raised was Air India’s controversial decision to display crash relics—such as damaged seats, instruments, and flight data recorders—at its Gurgaon office complex. Intended as a solemn reminder of safety, the display has instead caused distress among employees, who view it as a grim and demoralizing presence in their workspace.

A senior government official described the current moment as a pivotal opportunity for Air India, backed by the combined expertise of Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, to evolve into the world-class airline envisioned by its founder, J.R.D. Tata. Comparing the government’s approach to a teacher focusing on a struggling but talented student, the official emphasized that the attention being given to Air India is meant to support—not punish—the airline during a critical recovery phase.

While challenges persist, the government reiterated its commitment to supporting Indian carriers, stressing that strong safety governance must be at the core of Air India’s transformation.