DGCA Fines ₹80 Lakh On Air India, Airline Did Not Provide Adequate Rest To Crew, Training Records Were Also Wrongly Marked

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has imposed a fine of Rs 80 lakh on Air India. This fine has been imposed for violation of rules related to Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) and Fatigue Management System (FMS).

DGCA had conducted a spot audit of Air India in the month of January for compliance with FDTL and FMS rules to ensure high level of safety. During the audit, DGCA found that the company operated flights in violation of rules.

Operated flights with both flight crew over 60 years of age

The DGCA said analysis of reports and evidence revealed that Air India in some cases operated flights with both flight crew above 60 years of age, which violates sub-rule (2) of Rule 28A of the Aircraft Rules, 1937. There is a violation.

Crew not given adequate rest, training records also marked wrongly

Adequate weekly rest, adequate rest before and after ultra-long range (ULR) flights and providing adequate rest to flight crew on layovers were also found to be lacking. Apart from this, cases of wrongly marked training records etc. were also observed.

Fine imposed after reply to show cause notice

DGCA said a show cause notice was issued to Air India to file its reply on March 1, 2024. The aviation regulator found its response unsatisfactory.

A fine of Rs 1.10 crore was also imposed in January

Earlier in January also, DGCA had imposed a fine of Rs 1.10 crore on Air India for security violations. This fine was imposed after a deficiency was found in the '12 Minute Chemical Passenger Oxygen System'.