Air India Fined ₹99 Lakh by DGCA for Pilot-Rostering Lapse

The Incident

The issue came to light when Air India operated a flight with a non-qualified crew. Specifically, a Mumbai-Riyadh flight in July was commanded by a non-trainer line captain paired with a non-line-released first officer. According to DGCA regulations, trainee pilots must be paired with designated training captains to ensure safety and proper oversight. However, due to a rostering error, a regular pilot was assigned instead of a training captain.
The lapse was discovered during the flight, prompting the pilots to file a report with the airline. Air India subsequently reported the incident to the DGCA, which initiated a comprehensive investigation.

DGCA’s Response

The DGCA’s investigation revealed multiple deficiencies and violations of regulatory provisions by several post holders and staff at Air India. The regulator issued show cause notices to senior officials of the airline, but the responses failed to provide satisfactory justification for the incident. Consequently, the DGCA imposed a financial penalty of ₹90 lakh on Air India, along with additional fines of ₹6 lakh and ₹3 lakh on the Director of Operations and Director of Training, respectively.

Safety Concerns

This incident has significant safety ramifications. Operating a flight with non-qualified crew members poses serious risks to passengers and crew alike. The DGCA’s stringent regulations are in place to ensure that only qualified and adequately trained personnel operate flights, thereby minimizing the risk of accidents and ensuring the highest standards of safety.

Air India’s Response
Air India has acknowledged the lapse and stated that it is taking corrective measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The airline emphasized its commitment to safety and regulatory compliance, noting that it has initiated an internal review of its rostering and training processes.
Broader Implications
This incident highlights the critical importance of adherence to regulatory standards in the aviation industry. It serves as a reminder to all airlines about the need for rigorous oversight and meticulous planning in crew rostering and training. The DGCA’s enforcement action underscores its commitment to maintaining safety and regulatory compliance in Indian aviation.

Conclusion

The ₹99 lakh fine imposed on Air India by the DGCA is a stark reminder of the importance of regulatory compliance and operational safety in the aviation industry. While Air India has taken steps to address the issue, this incident serves as a cautionary tale for all airlines to prioritize safety and adhere to regulatory standards. As the aviation industry continues to grow, maintaining the highest standards of safety and compliance will be crucial to ensuring the well-being of passengers and crew.