DGCA fines Air India Rs 90 lakh for operating flight with unqualified crew – Airlines/Aviation News

The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has imposed a fine of Rs 90 lakh on Air India for operating the flight with unqualified pilots. The DGCA also imposed a penalty of Rs 6 lakh on Air India’s chief operating officer, Pankul Mathur, and Rs 3 lakh on Manish Vasavada, director of training, for negligence. The case came to a head on July 10, when the airline voluntarily filed a report, prompting the DGCA to investigate the operation.

Investigations reveal serious misconduct

The watchdog’s review revealed multiple levels of disregard for rules and regulations. It noted that the airline’s captain, who was not an instructor, was assigned to fly the flight alongside a first officer who had not been relieved of duty. The incident was described as a serious scheduling oversight by the airline.

Considering the seriousness of the matter, the DGCA issued show cause notices to those involved in the incident as well as the flight commander on July 22. The statement that was filed in defence was not considered sufficient by the DGCA. The pilots were given a warning and assured that such accidents would not recur in future. Fines imposed on key officials were recovered as per the applicable norms.

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(With PTI inputs)