IndiGo fined: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has fined InterGlobe Aviation, the parent company of India’s largest airline IndiGo, Rs 20 lakh (around $22,531) for lapses in pilot training at Category C airports. The penalty, dated September 26, relates to the use of simulators that were not certified for high-risk airports such as Calicut, Leh, and Kathmandu.
Non-Certified Simulators Used for Training
A review of IndiGo’s training records revealed that roughly 1,700 pilots, including captains and first officers, had undergone training on Full Flight Simulators (FFSs) that were not approved for Category C airport operations. According to India’s Civil Aviation Requirements, pilots must be trained on simulators specifically certified for these high-risk airports.
IndiGo Plans to Challenge Fine, Affirms Safety Commitment
In response, the airline said it would contest the fine, adding: “The fine does not have a material impact on the airline’s financials, operations, or other activities.” IndiGo also highlighted its ongoing commitment to maintaining “the highest standards of safety and compliance across its operations.”
This is the latest regulatory issue for the airline, which faced a Rs 30 lakh fine in 2023 after four tail strike incidents involving its Airbus A321 fleet. A DGCA audit had identified procedural and documentation gaps in operations, training, and engineering.