DGCA imposes Rs 90 lakh penalty on Air India for operating flight with non-qualified crew members

The national civil aviation regulator (DGCA) has imposed a financial penalty of Rs 90 lakh on M/s Air India Limited for operating flight with non-qualified crew members.

In addition, penalties of Rs 6 lakh and Rs 3 lakh, respectively, have been imposed on Director Operations, and, Director Training, of M/s. Air India.

Further, the concerned pilot has been warned to exercise caution to prevent such occurrences in the future.

M/s Air India Limited 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 M/s Air India Limited on July 10, 2024.

Taking cognizance of this incident, the regulator undertook comprehensive investigations into M/s Air India Limited operations, including examination of documentations and spot check of M/s Air India Limited Scheduling Facility.

Based on investigation, it was prima facie revealed that there are deficiencies and multiple violations to 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 M/s Air India Limited were provided an opportunity to explain their position vide show cause notices (SCNs) dated 22.07.2024.

The reply submitted by the concerned failed to provide satisfactory justification.

As such, DGCA has initiated enforcement action in terms of provisions of the extant rules/regulations and imposed the above penalty.