In a recent development, aviation regulators in India have imposed substantial fines on major airlines, including IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India, for various violations. The penalties come as a response to incidents ranging from security breaches to operational failures.
IndiGo, one of the country’s leading airlines, is facing a hefty fine of Rs 1.2 crore for five distinct offenses. Among these, a notable incident involved passengers eating on the tarmac during a 12-hour flight delay. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has fined IndiGo on multiple counts, including security violations, failure to report incidents, and improper handling of the situation.
A viral video depicting stranded passengers casually dining on the tarmac triggered an investigation by the Civil Aviation Ministry, leading to show-cause notices for both IndiGo and the Mumbai airport. The heavy fog at Delhi airport contributed to significant flight disruptions and delays.
IndiGo, in response to the fines, stated that it is conducting an internal investigation and will respond to the notice following established protocols. The airline faces penalties for failing to report incidents, inadequate security measures, and lapses in handling critical situations.
In addition to IndiGo, the BCAS fined the Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) Rs 60 lakh for its role in the tarmac incident. MIAL faced charges related to the failure to notify authorities, making false statements, lack of a backup plan for surveillance, and inadequate security control measures.
Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has fined SpiceJet and Air India Rs 30 lakh each for their pilots’ inadequate training to perform CAT III operations. This violation highlights the importance of ensuring pilot competency in critical flight operations.
These fines underscore the commitment of aviation regulators to uphold safety and security standards within the industry. Airlines are urged to prioritize adherence to protocols, invest in training, and implement robust security measures to avoid similar penalties in the future.
