New Delhi: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has imposed a financial penalty of Rs 90 lakh on Air India for operating a flight with non-qualified crew members.
Additionally, the civil aviation regulator has imposed a penalty of Rs 6 lakh on director operations and Rs 3 lakh on director training at Air India.
“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 DGCA said in a statement.
The DGCA said the incident came to its notice through a voluntary report submitted by the airline on 10 July, 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,” it added.
Following the investigation, the DGCA said there were deficiencies and multiple violations of 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 via show cause notices on 22 July, 2024. The reply submitted failed to provide satisfactory justification, the regulator said.
(Edited by Tikli Basu)