DGCA flags repeat lapses in Akasa Air’s audit

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has flagged multiple issues in Akasa Air’s audit, including “repetitive” procedural lapses, documentation gaps, and “persistent” systemic deficiencies across key flight safety and cabin operations domains.

- DEEPAK PATEL

The regulator communicated these findings to the airline through a notice issued on October 21 following a comprehensive surveillance review of the April-September data, Business Standard has learnt.

The notice pointed to “Level II” safety violations, which denote serious and repeated noncompliance that may not pose an immediate danger, but suggest deeper weaknesses in safety oversight and procedural discipline.

The regulator also said repeated lapses indicate “persistent systemic deficiencies” in cabin safety assurance, record-keeping, and compliance with Extended Diversion Time Operations (EDTO) rules, regulations that govern long-range flights where airports for emergency diversions are limited. Noncompliance with EDTO standards can increase risk during in-flight emergencies on such routes.

When asked about this matter, Akasa Air spokesperson told the newspaper that the DGCA conducts “routine audits” across all airlines as part of its ongoing efforts to uphold aviation safety standards in India.