Air India fined 90 lakh for using unqualified pilots

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken strict action against Air India, imposing a hefty fine of ₹90 lakh for operating a flight with improperly qualified pilots. The airline’s Director of Operations, Pankul Mathur, has also been fined ₹6 lakh, while Manish Vasavada, Director of Training, faces a penalty of ₹3 lakh. This move by the DGCA comes after a voluntary report submitted by the airline on July 10 triggered an investigation into its operations.

The DGCA’s investigation uncovered significant lapses, revealing that a non-trainer line captain was paired with a non-line-released first officer for a flight. This incident highlighted a severe oversight in scheduling by Air India, raising serious concerns about adherence to aviation safety regulations.

Following the discovery, the DGCA issued show-cause notices on July 22 to the individuals involved, including the flight’s commander. The explanations provided were deemed insufficient by the regulator, leading to the enforcement of fines. The DGCA has also issued a warning to the pilots involved, emphasizing the importance of preventing such oversights in the future.

This action by the DGCA underscores the importance of strict compliance with aviation safety standards and serves as a reminder to airlines about the critical nature of pilot qualifications.