DGCA Slaps Rs 99 Lakh Penalty on Air India Over Crew Qualification Lapses

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has penalized Air India Rs 90 lakh for operating a flight with unqualified crew. Additional fines of Rs 6 lakh and Rs 3 lakh were imposed on Air India's Director of Operations and Director of Training. The incident highlighted severe regulatory violations by the airline.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has imposed a Rs 90 lakh penalty on Air India for allowing unqualified crew members to operate a flight. The infraction was disclosed following an internal report submitted by the airline.

In addition to the airline's fine, DGCA levied penalties of Rs 6 lakh and Rs 3 lakh on Air India's Director of Operations and Director of Training, respectively. The DGCA indicated that the lapse is considered a 'serious scheduling incident,' with significant safety implications.

The DGCA's investigation found multiple violations of regulatory provisions by several employees and post holders within Air India. Following show cause notices issued to the responsible individuals, the responses were deemed unsatisfactory, prompting the regulatory body to take enforcement action.

(With inputs from agencies.)