In a significant development, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has imposed a substantial fine of ₹1.10 crore on Air India for safety violations, marking a response to a series of incidents involving flight irregularities.
Safety Violations on Critical Routes
The safety violations in question occurred on certain long-range terrain critical routes, as highlighted by the DGCA. This enforcement follows a recent incident where IndiGo faced a ₹1.20 crore fine due to passengers exiting one of its flights and consuming food on the tarmac. Civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia expressed strong disapproval of the incident, deeming it unacceptable.
Former Air India Pilot’s Complaint
A former Air India pilot, who had served as a B777 commander, raised concerns about the safety practices. The complaint, submitted to the civil aviation ministry and the DGCA on October 29 last year, triggered a comprehensive investigation. The DGCA stated that the investigation prima facie revealed non-compliance by the airline.
“In light of the investigation’s findings, a Show Cause Notice was issued to the Accountable Manager of Air India Limited. The response to the Show Cause Notice underwent thorough examination with respect to the stipulations under relevant statutory provisions and the performance limits outlined in critical documentations by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM),” read a statement issued by the DGCA.
Fog-Related Flight Disruptions
In addition to safety violations, Air India faced operational challenges due to fog, resulting in delays and cancellations of several flights. Civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia acknowledged the impact of weather-related disruptions, emphasizing that natural vagaries are beyond human control. He highlighted the domino effect of disruptions caused by adverse weather conditions affecting base stations in the civil aviation ecosystem.
Ministry’s Focus on Safety
Minister Scindia emphasized that safety remains the primary focus of the ministry, underscoring the commitment to addressing and rectifying lapses in compliance and safety standards.
