Taking action against Air India for operating its flights with non-qualified crew members, the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has imposed a fine of Rs 90 lakh on the airline. In addition, the watchdog of aviation in the country imposed a penalty of Rs 6 Lakhs and Rs 3 Lakhs respectively, on the Director Operations and Director Training of Air India.
Further, the concerned pilot has been warned to exercise caution to prevent such occurrences in future. Air India operated a flight commanded by a non-trainer line captain paired with a non-line-released first officer which has been viewed by the regulator as a serious scheduling incident having significant safety ramifications.
The incident came to the notice of DGCA through a voluntary report submitted by Air India Limited on 10 July 2024. Taking cognisance of this incident, the regulator undertook comprehensive investigations into Air India Limited operations including examination of documentation and spot check of Air India Limited Scheduling Facility.
Based on the investigation, it was prima facie revealed that there are deficiencies and multiple violations of the regulatory provisions by several post holders and staff, which could significantly affect safety. The concerned commander of the flight and DGCA approved Post Holders of Air India Limited were provided an opportunity to explain their position vide show cause notices (SCNs) dated 22 July 2024.
The reply submitted by the concerned failed to provide a satisfactory justification. As such, DGCA has initiated enforcement action in terms of provisions of the extant rules, and regulations and imposed the above penalty.
The airline was fined in March for not following the period rest rules of DGCA. The airline was penalised with Rs 80 lakh. (ANI)
