The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is currently investigating an incident involving an IndiGo flight departing from the national capital to Baku without proper clearance from air traffic controllers. According to a senior official, the pilots involved have been derostered pending the outcome of the investigation.
The incident occurred on January 28, raising concerns over safety protocols and adherence to standard operating procedures. The DGCA is actively probing the circumstances surrounding the flight’s departure without Air Traffic Controller (ATC) clearance, emphasising the critical importance of compliance with aviation regulations.
What happened?
Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, was the intended destination of the flight, which departed from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. However, an official familiar with the incident revealed that the ATC had instructed the pilot to “line up and wait.”
Despite this directive, the aircraft initiated takeoff procedures and departed without awaiting proper clearance from the ATC. Further details about the incident could not be immediately ascertained.
What did IndiGo say about the incident?
An IndiGo spokesperson addressed the incident and informed that the investigation is underway. “With reference to reports around IndiGo flight 6E 1803 operating between Delhi and Baku on Jan 28, 2024, the incident is currently under investigation and appropriate action will be taken as necessary,” an IndiGo spokesperson said in a statement on Tuesday.
DGCA’s swift action
The exact sequence of events leading up to the unauthorised departure is yet to be fully elucidated, with further details about the incident pending investigation. Nevertheless, the swift response from regulatory authorities and the airline underscores the gravity of the situation.
Instances of flights taking off without proper clearance raise serious concerns about operational discipline and adherence to established protocols. The DGCA’s thorough investigation into the matter aims to identify any lapses in procedures and take appropriate corrective measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.