India's aviation regulator found 51 safety violations at Air India during routine audits, including seven high-level lapses, amid ongoing scrutiny following a recent crash. The airline acknowledged the findings and committed to corrective actions, with the regulator emphasizing that such issues are common in large operations and that India's skies remain safe according to international standards.
Air India received a formal warning from India's DGCA for safety violations after three aircraft were found to have overdue emergency equipment checks, including a delayed inspection on an Airbus A320 that flew internationally during the delay. The findings, unrelated to a recent deadly Boeing crash, highlight ongoing safety concerns in the airline's maintenance practices.
IndiGo has been fined Rs 1.2 crore by the Bureau Of Civil Aviation Security after a viral video showed passengers eating on the tarmac at Mumbai airport, with the DGCA also ordering the airport to pay Rs 30 lakh for the violation. Additionally, Air India and SpiceJet have been fined for poor preparedness leading to fog delays, with both airlines being fined Rs 30 lakh each for violation and non-compliance of Aircraft Rules, 1937.
IndiGo has begun the process of placing a passenger on the no-fly list after the individual assaulted a pilot following a flight delay in Delhi. The airline has labeled the passenger as "unruly" and will follow Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) guidelines for handling such incidents. The CAR outlines procedures for dealing with disruptive passenger behavior, including categorizing offenses into three levels and imposing bans on flying. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has urged airlines to proactively report such incidents and has emphasized the importance of following norms and sensitizing airline personnel to prevent unruly behavior.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued new guidelines for handling chaotic situations at airports, allowing airlines to cancel flights likely to be delayed beyond three hours due to fog or other extraordinary circumstances. The SOP requires airlines to provide accurate real-time information about delays, communicate with affected passengers through various channels, and sensitize staff to guide and inform passengers about flight delays. The move comes after Delhi airport experienced over 100 delayed flights, leading to chaotic scenes and disruptions, including an incident where a passenger attacked a pilot. Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia stated that steps have been taken to avoid similar circumstances in the future, emphasizing passenger safety as the foremost priority.
Indian airlines operating Boeing 737 Max aircraft are conducting safety checks following an alert about a loose bolt in the rudder control system. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is overseeing the inspections in coordination with the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Boeing. The issue has been addressed by Boeing, and the airlines, including Akasa, Air India Express, and SpiceJet, have stated that the inspections will not impact their operations. The Boeing 737 Max was previously grounded after two fatal crashes but returned to service in 2021.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India has issued an advisory to airlines regarding Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference in airspace. The advisory comes in response to reports of GPS spoofing in the Iraq-Iran area, which affected aircraft navigational systems. The circular provides guidance on dealing with GNSS interference, highlights emerging threats of jamming and spoofing, and establishes roles and responsibilities for stakeholders. It also includes mitigation measures and an action plan for aircraft operators, pilots, and air traffic controllers. The circular is applicable to all aircraft operators and the Airports Authority of India.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued an advisory to airlines reminding them of the existing provisions in place to deal with unruly passengers. The advisory came after an Air India flight had to return to Delhi due to an unruly passenger who caused physical harm to two cabin crew members. DGCA regulations classify unruly passenger behaviour into three levels, and such people can face flying bans for varying periods. The DGCA has advised airlines to sensitise their pilots, cabin crew and postholders on handling unruly passengers.
