Civil Aviation Regulator DGCA has imposed a fine of Rs 90 lakh on Tata Group airline Air India. The regulator has imposed this fine due to the airlines flying flights with non-qualified crew members. DGCA has considered it a serious lapse in security.
DGCA fines Air India
Apart from this, a separate fine of Rs 6 lakh has been imposed on the Director Operations of Air India and Rs 3 lakh on the Director Training. DGCA has imposed a fine of Rs 6 lakh and Rs 3 lakh respectively on the Director Operations and Director Training from these respective pilots in future. Air India. Apart from this, the concerned pilot has been warned to take precautions to prevent such incidents in future.
Air India operated a flight under the command of a non-instructor line captain with a non-line-released first officer, which DGCA has seen as a serious incident regarding safety.
What is the matter, why was the fine imposed
This incident came to the notice of DGCA through a voluntary report given by Air India on 10 July 2024. Taking immediate action on this report, the regulator started an in-depth investigation, which included on-the-spot investigation of documents and scheduling facility.
After the investigation, it was found at first glance that regulatory rules have been violated by people and employees in many positions, which could have posed a direct threat to security.
The concerned commander of the flight and the DGCA approved position holders of Air India were also given an opportunity to clarify their position through a Show Cause Notice (SCN) on 22/07/2024. The explanation given was not satisfactory in the eyes of DGCA. Therefore, DGCA took action against the airline and these people and imposed a fine.