EASA Suspends VSR Ventures' TCO Authorisation Over 2023 Learjet Crash Response Failure
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) suspended the third country operator (TCO) authorisation for VSR Ventures Pvt Ltd in December 2024. This action followed the company's failure to respond to EASA's requests for information regarding a Learjet accident that occurred in September 2023. The suspension has significant implications for the Indian non-scheduled operator's ability to conduct commercial flights in European airspace.
Background of the Suspension
EASA's decision stems from an accident involving a Learjet 45 aircraft, registered as VT-DBL, on September 14, 2023, at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai. The aircraft, operated by VSR Ventures, was destroyed after it continuously drifted to the right of the runway during landing and crash-landed at the intersection of two taxiways. The flight originated from Visakhapatnam.
As part of its continuous monitoring programme, EASA conducted an assessment of VSR Ventures' operations under the TCO authorisation. This authorisation, issued in 2020, is a mandatory safety certification for non-EU airlines operating commercial flights into, within, or out of the European Union, EFTA states, and specific European territories.
EASA's Investigation and VSR Ventures' Non-Response
In 2024, EASA sought detailed information from VSR Ventures about the September 2023 accident. The agency was particularly interested in safety recommendations addressed to the air carrier and the outcomes of internal investigations, including any changes or interim measures taken to address potential contributing factors.
Despite several reminders sent through EASA's online TCO web interface and emails, VSR Ventures did not respond to these requests. Consequently, EASA raised a level 1 finding against the company, highlighting the non-compliance with regulatory requirements.
Final Opportunity and Suspension
On November 22, 2024, EASA provided VSR Ventures with a final opportunity to address the level 1 finding. The company was required to take immediate mitigating measures and propose a corrective action plan, including a root cause analysis and implementation timelines, by December 4, 2024.
Since VSR Ventures failed to submit the requested documents and records, EASA suspended the TCO authorisation on December 17, 2024. The suspension was to be lifted only after EASA confirmed that successful corrective actions had been taken by the operator.
Revocation of TCO Authorisation
DGCA sources revealed that VSR Ventures neither responded to EASA's communications nor took any initiative to address the non-compliance findings for over twelve months following the suspension. As a result, EASA revoked the TCO authorisation on December 18, 2025, effectively terminating the company's authorisation to operate commercial flights in European airspace.
Ongoing Investigation by AAIB
Meanwhile, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has yet to submit its final report on the September 2023 accident. The aviation ministry stated that the investigation team has analysed all evidence and documents, and the report is in its final stages. The team is working on a priority basis to finalise the findings.
This development underscores the critical importance of regulatory compliance and timely communication in aviation safety. The suspension and subsequent revocation of VSR Ventures' TCO authorisation highlight the consequences of failing to adhere to international safety standards.
