India's aviation watchdog, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has come down hard on Air India, levying a hefty fine of ₹80 lakh (US$97,000) for violations related to pilot fatigue and flight duty time limitations. The move follows a spot audit conducted in January 2024 that revealed concerning discrepancies in Air India's adherence to safety regulations.
The DGCA specifically cited breaches of Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) and Fatigue Management System (FMS) protocols. These regulations are in place to ensure pilots receive adequate rest between flights, minimizing the risk of fatigue-induced errors that could compromise flight safety.
According to the DGCA's statement, the audit uncovered instances of Air India exceeding permissible duty periods for its flight crews. This not only goes against established safety guidelines but also raises questions about potential scheduling issues within the airline. The audit also unearthed discrepancies in pilot training records, with some entries found to be inaccurately marked. Further compounding the problem, the DGCA identified cases of overlapping duties for flight crew, further jeopardizing proper rest periods.
Following the audit, the DGCA issued a show cause notice to Air India on March 1, 2024, demanding an explanation for the observed violations. The airline's response, however, proved unsatisfactory to the aviation regulator. Consequently, the DGCA opted to impose the ₹80 lakh penalty to serve as a deterrent and emphasize the importance of prioritizing pilot well-being and flight safety.
This incident marks the latest in a series of regulatory actions against Air India in recent months. The Tata Group-owned airline has previously faced fines for safety lapses on long-range flights and an incident involving a passenger's death. The DGCA's firm stance reflects its commitment to upholding safety standards within the Indian aviation sector and serves as a reminder to all airlines of their obligation to prioritize crew well-being and adhere to established safety protocols.
While Air India has yet to publicly comment on the latest fine, it's expected that the airline will take steps to address the identified shortcomings and ensure full compliance with FDTL and FMS regulations. The development underscores the critical role of robust safety measures in maintaining public confidence in air travel.