In a recent development, an Air India pilot has been suspended for a period of three months and the airline has been fined 30 lakhs for a serious breach of safety protocols. During a flight from Dubai to Delhi in February, the pilot allowed a woman, who was a friend and an Air India staff member, to enter and remain in the cockpit. Such unauthorized access is strictly prohibited and constitutes a violation of aviation norms.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the regulatory body overseeing civil aviation operations in India, emphasized the significance of the breach. Despite the incident being categorized as a “safety sensitive violation,” Air India allegedly failed to take immediate corrective action. The DGCA expressed its concern over the airline’s delayed response to the matter.
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Adherence to Safety Protocols Emphasized by Regulatory Action
As a consequence of the violation, Air India has been slapped with a fine of 30 lakhs. The regulatory authority has also suspended the pilot’s license for three months due to the misuse of authority under the Aircraft Rules 1937 and allowing the violation of DGCA regulations. Additionally, the co-pilot has received a warning for not taking assertive action to prevent the breach from occurring.
This incident underscores the critical importance of adhering to strict safety protocols within the aviation industry. Authorities are determined to uphold the highest standards of safety and security, ensuring the well-being of passengers and maintaining the integrity of flight operations.