Air Asia fined ₹20 lakh by DGCA for lapses in pilot training

Aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation has fined Air Asia ₹20 lakhs for failing to conduct several mandatory pilot drills.

DGCA has also suspended the head of training at the airline while ₹3 lakh fine has been imposed on each on the eight designated examiners of the low-cost carrier for failing to discharge their duties, as per applicable by regulator's Civial Aviation requirements.

The concerned manager, head of training, and all designated examiners of Air Asia received show cause notifications from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, or DGCA, asking them to explain why enforcement action should not be taken against them for failing to monitor their legal responsibilities. Their written responses were analysed, and decisions were made in light of them.

Since last year, airlines in India have come under increased scrutiny, initially as a result of many mid-flight mechanical breakdowns, and more recently as a result of the crew’s handling of rowdy passengers. According to Union minister VK Singh’s testimony to the Lok Sabha on Thursday, domestic airlines recorded 2,613 severe technical issues with their aircraft over the previous five years.