DGCA Initiates Action Against Three Airlines and a Flying Training Organisation

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken action against three airlines for various lapses, including placing SpiceJet under enhanced surveillance. The regulator also fined Air India Express Rs 10 lakh and issued a show cause notice to Akasa Air for violations.

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SpiceJet will now face increased spot checks and night surveillance by the DGCA. This decision follows reports of flight cancellations and financial difficulties faced by the airline. A special audit of SpiceJet's engineering facilities on August 7 and 8 revealed several deficiencies.

Enhanced Surveillance for SpiceJet

In light of past records and the recent audit, SpiceJet has been placed under enhanced surveillance with immediate effect. The DGCA stated, "In light of the past record and the special audit carried out in August 2024, SpiceJet has once again been placed under enhanced surveillance with immediate effect."

Meanwhile, Air India Express was fined Rs 10 lakh for failing to compensate passengers for cancelled flights. This penalty is part of the DGCA's ongoing efforts to enforce regulatory compliance among airlines operating in India.

Show Cause Notice to Akasa Air

Akasa Air received a show cause notice due to several regulatory breaches identified during a recent review. A spot audit revealed that practical training sessions conducted by the airline were completed without the required regulatory approvals. The DGCA noted, "A spot audit and scrutiny revealed that practical training sessions conducted by the airline were completed and simulated without the mandated requisite regulatory approvals."

India is one of the world's fastest-growing civil aviation markets, necessitating strict adherence to safety regulations. The DGCA continues to take necessary actions to ensure compliance across all airlines.

Suspension of Alchemist Aviation

The DGCA also suspended the approval for Alchemist Aviation following an audit conducted after a fatal trainee aircraft accident. The audit found that the flying training organisation was non-compliant with regulations. This suspension came less than two weeks after the accident that resulted in the deaths of an instructor and a trainee pilot.

The regulator emphasised its commitment to enforcing safety standards and regulatory compliance across all aviation operations in India. These actions reflect the DGCA's ongoing efforts to maintain high safety standards in one of the world's fastest-growing civil aviation markets.

The DGCA's measures aim to address safety concerns and ensure that all airlines adhere to stringent regulatory requirements. By taking these steps, the regulator seeks to enhance overall safety and reliability within India's aviation sector.