DGCA fines Air India Rs 30 lakh and suspends pilot's license for three months for cockpit violation incident

New Delhi, May 12: Air India has been fined Rs 30 lakh by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for allegedly failing to take prompt and effective action during a cockpit violation incident that occurred on February 27. Additionally, the pilot in command of the flight has had their license suspended for three months.

According to a complaint filed by a cabin crew member, the pilot of Air India AI-915 Delhi-Dubai flight allowed a woman friend to enter the cockpit in violation of safety norms. Despite receiving a complaint from one of the operating crew members, Air India's CEO Campbell Wilson did not take prompt corrective action.

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DGCA issued a show cause notice to Air India's CEO and Chief of flight safety for failing to report the cockpit violation incident on time. Following an investigation, the aviation regulator fined Air India for not promptly and effectively addressing the safety-sensitive issue.

The pilot in command's license has been suspended for a period of three months for misusing their authority vested under the Aircraft Rules 1937 and allowing the violation of applicable DGCA regulations. The co-pilot has been warned for not being assertive in preventing the violation.

Air India has been directed to take administrative action against the SOD/passenger, including removing them from any managerial functions in the organization for a specified period. As per the DGCA Civil Aviation Regulations and Air India's Operations manual, only authorized persons who have conducted preflight BA tests may enter the cockpit and sit there, provided they are on inspection or for purposes of flight safety only.

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