The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) conducted inspections at Delhi, Kochi, and Bangalore Airports in May and September to verify the compliance of Scheduled Domestic Operators with passenger facility and compensation obligations outlined in DGCA regulations. The inspections revealed that Air India did not meet the stipulated Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR).
Consequently, on November 3, a Show Cause Notice was issued to Air India, seeking an explanation for the observed non-compliance.
Air India’s Non-Compliance with CAR Provisions: Lapses in Passenger Services and Compensation
Upon reviewing Air India’s response, it was determined that the airline had indeed failed to adhere to CAR provisions. This included the absence of hotel accommodation for passengers affected by flight delays, insufficient training of certain ground personnel as per CAR stipulations, and the failure to compensate international business class passengers who were compelled to travel in non-functional seats.
DGCA Imposes Rs 10 Lakh Penalty on Air India: Upholding Standards and Ensuring Compliance in Aviation Operations
In response to these findings, the DGCA has imposed a penalty of Rs 10 lakh on Air India for its failure to comply with regulatory provisions. This action underscores the regulatory authority’s commitment to enforcing standards and ensuring that airlines fulfill their obligations regarding passenger services and compensation. The penalty serves as a corrective measure to encourage adherence to established regulations and to uphold the integrity of aviation services provided by scheduled domestic operators.
The DGCA, established in 1971, serves as India’s regulatory authority for civil aviation affairs. It holds a pivotal position in creating and enforcing regulations to guarantee the safety and effectiveness of civil aviation operations. The DGCA engages in activities such as licensing pilots, performing safety inspections, and establishing airworthiness standards. Its principal goal is to uphold and improve safety standards in the Indian civil aviation sector by overseeing regulations and ensuring their enforcement.
