The aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has fined AirAsia a hefty amount of ₹20 lakhs recently. The regulator conducted an inspection and found that the airline violated some rules and regulations related to the mandatory exercises of the pilots of AirAsia. This surveillance operation was conducted back in November 2022. Why did the DGCA impose such a huge fine on the airline? Let’s find it out!
Directorate General of Civil Aviation Fined AirAsia Due To The Following Reason:
While conducting the surveillance operation from 23 November to 25 November, the DGCA found that AirAsia did not follow all the mandatory exercises of their pilots. The airline skipped these exercises while doing the Instrument Rating Check. This test is also known as the Pilot Proficiency Check. This is an important norm of DGCA and by not following this, AirAsia violated the applicable DGCA Civil Aviation Requirements.
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The airline had to face more consequences for not following the mandatory exercises. DGCA also suspended the Head of Training of AirAsia for 3 months along with a hefty fine of ₹20 lakhs. The Head of Training is now removed from his professional position as he failed to complete his duties according to the applicable DGCA Civil Aviation Requirements. DGCA has also put a fine of ₹3 lakhs each for all the 8 designated examiners.
Here’s What The Airline Has To Say?
Post this incident, AirAsia has released a statement. The airline mentioned that they are in the process of reviewing this order by the DGCA. They are also working to consider an appeal against it. According to a report by The Hindu, an AirAsia spokesperson shared that they did the mandatory exercises for the pilots’ simulator training.
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An AirAsia spokesperson also shared that they took immediate corrective steps after coordinating with the DGCA. In fact, they took additional simulator training sessions to recover from the stated gap.
DGCA took the decision to impose such a huge fine and suspension after conducting the inspection in November. The aviation regulator caused some notices to AirAsia and the head of training.
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