India's aviation watchdog cancels planned Air India audit, sources say

It comes after the airline ceased all its operations to the Middle East, Europe and the East Coast of North America until further notice due to Israel-Iran tensions

An Air India passenger plane flies near houses as it makes its landing approach to Heathrow Airport in west London, Britain, Jan 28, 2025. REUTERS

India's aviation safety watchdog has cancelled its planned visit to Air India headquarters on Tuesday for an annual regulatory audit, two people with direct knowledge said.

Air India late on Monday ceased all its operations to the Middle East, Europe and the East Coast of North America until further notice due to Israel-Iran tensions. One of the sources said that was a key reason for cancelling the audit as the airline was occupied with tackling the crisis.

Ten officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) were to visit Air India headquarters near New Delhi on Tuesday for an annual audit, just as the airline is facing intense scrutiny after a plane crash killed 271 people.

Air India and the DGCA did not respond to Reuters' request for comment.