The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has levied a fine of Rs 10 lakh on Air India for its failure to adhere to regulations pertaining to facilities that are required to be provided to passengers.
Following inspections at Delhi, Kochi and Bangalore airports, the aviation regulator found out that Air India was not in compliance with the relevant Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR). Subsequently, a show-cause notice was issued to Air India on November 3.
Air India in violation of CAR provisions
According to the statement issued by DGCA on Wednesday (November 22), based on Air India’s response to the show-cause notice, the airline was found to be in violation of CAR provisions.
“DGCA carried out inspections at Delhi, Kochi & Bangalore Airports of Scheduled Domestic Operators in the months of May & September, 2023 to ascertain the discharge of their obligations related to facilities/compensation provided to the passengers as per provisions laid down in DGCA regulations. During the inspections of the airlines, it was observed that Air India was not complying with the provisions of the relevant CAR (Civil Aviation Requirements),” the statement by DGCA stated.
What were the violations?
These infractions include the failure to provide hotel accommodation for passengers affected by delayed flights, inadequate training of certain ground personnel as per stipulations, and the non-compensation of international business class passengers who were compelled to travel on malfunctioning seats.
In response to these lapses, the regulator has imposed a monetary penalty of Rs 10 lakh.
Air India’s second strike
This marks the second instance of such action taken against Air India in the last eighteen months. In June 2022, the DGCA imposed a fine of Rs 10 lakh on the Tata group airline for contravening regulations related to boarding denials.