India, July 30 -- As many as 263 safety-related issues were reported across eight airlines in the last one year, audit findings by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) revealed.

The findings were recorded during routine audits and inspections carried out to assess safety compliance among scheduled airlines, the civil aviation regulator said in a statement.

Emphasising the need of conducting audits, the DGCA said, "Based on International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements audits are needed to enhance the safety of operations and ensure compliance, and continuous improvement across all facets of airline operations."

"These audits findings aid in areas requiring improvement. This is as per Annual Surveillance Plan...