DGCA Fines Air India Rs 1.10 Crore for Safety Violations on Long-Range Flights

India's aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has slapped Air India with a hefty Rs 1.10 crore (approximately $1.32 million) fine for violating safety regulations on certain long-range flights over challenging terrain. reported by ANI. 

The aviation regulatory authority has taken action following the submission of a voluntary safety report by an Air India employee, alleging safety breaches by the airline on specific long-range, terrain-critical routes.

DGCA has initiated enforcement action and imposed a penalty of Rs 1.10 crore on Air India over allegations of safety violations of flights operated by Air India on certain long-range terrain critical routes: DGCA pic.twitter.com/f9oOQfx8Fo

— ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2024

In a statement, the regulator explained, "After receiving a voluntary safety report from an employee of the airline, citing safety violations on certain long-range terrain-critical routes operated by Air India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) conducted a thorough investigation into the alleged infractions."

"As the investigation indicated non-compliance by the airline, a Show Cause Notice was issued to the Accountable Manager of Air India Limited. The response to the Show Cause Notice was meticulously examined in accordance with the relevant statutory provisions and the performance limits outlined in critical documents by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)."

"Given that the operations of the leased aircraft did not align with regulatory/OEM performance limits, DGCA has taken enforcement action, imposing a penalty of Rs. 1.10 crore on Air India," the statement further added.