DGCA intensifies scrutiny of domestic airlines

The Indian aviation industry faces heightened scrutiny, with multiple airlines penalized for safety violations and mishandling operations.

- ABHINANDAN MISHRA

The Indian aviation industry has come under intense scrutiny from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) due to a series of safety and operational violations, including unauthorized cockpit entries, insufficient oxygen on flights, and unqualified pilots operating international routes.

Air India, in particular, was heavily criticized, with multiple penalties imposed for breaches such as operating flights with inadequate oxygen and failing to meet proper training protocols, as revealed in data presented in Parliament.

Other airlines, including SpiceJet, Indigo, Vistara, and Akasa Air, were also penalized and warned for mishandling flight operations and failing to adhere to safety standards.

One of the most notable violations occurred in July 2024, when Air India received a warning for an incident involving unauthorized cockpit entry. One of the most notable violations occurred in July 2024, when Air India received a warning for an incident involving unauthorized cockpit entry. In a more severe incident, Air India was fined Rs 90 lakhs in August 2024 after a 'non-line released trainee first officer' was paired with a 'non-trainer line captain' to operate flight AI 921 in July 2024 on an international flight to Riyadh.