DGCA Imposes Rs 10 Lakh Fine on Air India for Regulatory Non-Compliance
Air India has been slapped with a Rs 10 lakh fine by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for failing to adhere to regulations regarding passenger services. The penalty follows inspections conducted by DGCA at Delhi, Kochi, and Bangalore airports.
New Delhi: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has levied a penalty of Rs 10 lakh on Air India for failing to adhere to regulations established by the aviation regulatory body.
This sanction stems from inspections conducted by DGCA at Delhi, Kochi, and Bangalore airports between May and September 2023. These inspections aimed to assess the compliance of Scheduled Domestic Operators with DGCA regulations regarding facilities and compensation provided to passengers.
The inspections revealed that Air India was not in compliance with the provisions of the relevant Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR). Consequently, on November 3, 2023, DGCA issued a Show Cause Notice to Air India, demanding an explanation for its non-compliance with the specified regulations.
Upon reviewing Air India's response, DGCA identified significant lapses, including the failure to provide hotel accommodation for passengers affected by delayed flights, the absence of training for some ground personnel as per CAR stipulations, and the non-payment of compensation to international business class passengers who were inconvenienced by traveling on unserviceable seats.
"Based on the reply submitted by Air India, it was found that M/s Air India has not complied with the provisions of the CAR, inter-alia, not providing hotel accommodation for passengers affected by delayed flights, non-training of some of their ground personnel as per the stipulations laid down in the CAR and non-payment of compensation to international business class passengers who were made to travel on unserviceable seats," stated a regulatory body press release.
In response to these findings, DGCA has taken a firm stance by imposing a financial penalty of Rs 10 lakh on Air India. This penalty serves as a clear indication of the regulator's commitment to enforcing stringent compliance with aviation regulations to uphold passenger safety, convenience, and rights.
This incident is not an isolated one, as it follows a series of recent regulatory violations by various airlines operating in India. The aviation industry has witnessed numerous non-compliance cases, raising concerns about the need for heightened oversight and enforcement measures.
Imgaes Credit-Lastely
