The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has launched a probe after Air India operated an Airbus A320 with an expired airworthiness licence at least eight times before grounding the aircraft, reported Zee News of Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

The A320 remains grounded pending investigation. Aviation officials said operating without valid licences and certificates is a serious offence, as the Certificate of Airworthiness must be renewed annually to confirm safety.

Air India described the incident as regrettable and said it was reported to the regulator immediately. All personnel linked to the lapse have been suspended while a comprehensive internal investigation is under way.

The airline said it is fully cooperating with DGCA and remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of operational integrity and safety. Any deviation from compliance protocols is treated with utmost seriousness.

Earlier this year, Air India Flight 171 from Ahmedabad to London crashed seconds after takeoff, killing 19 people on the ground and 229 passengers and crew, with only one survivor. The airline said 95 per cent of affected families have received interim compensation.