DGCA Slaps ₹30 Lakh Fine on IndiGo for Systemic Deficiencies; Airline to Respond
IndiGo faces a ₹30 lakh fine from DGCA for systemic deficiencies in documentation related to operations, training, and engineering procedures. The airline's response to the penalty is awaited as it reassures customers of its commitment to safety. Stay informed about this significant aviation development.
New Delhi: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has imposed a fine of ₹30 lakh on IndiGo, the country's largest airline, for certain systemic deficiencies related to documentation concerning operations, training, and engineering procedures. The action comes after IndiGo experienced four tail strike incidents on A321 aircraft within a span of six months this year. In response to these incidents, DGCA conducted a special audit in June.
During the special audit, DGCA reviewed IndiGo's documentation and procedures on operations, training, engineering, and the Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) program. The audit revealed systemic deficiencies in the airline's documentation related to operations/training procedures and engineering procedures.
IndiGo was issued a show cause notice, and its response was evaluated but deemed unsatisfactory by DGCA. As a result, DGCA imposed a financial penalty of ₹30 lakh on the airline and directed them to amend their documents and procedures to comply with DGCA requirements and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) guidelines.
Earlier this week, DGCA suspended the flying licenses of two IndiGo pilots for violating safety norms, following a tail strike incident during landing at Ahmedabad airport last month.
In its statement regarding the penalty, IndiGo stated that after the special audit in June, they were given 15 days to respond to the DGCA. The airline asserted that there were no violations of procedures laid down by OEM and approved in regulatory manuals.
IndiGo now has one month to possibly appeal against the order. The airline is examining the DGCA order and will respond to it within the stipulated time. IndiGo reassured its customers that it maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any compromise on safety.
As the leading airline in the country with a domestic market share of 63.2% in June, IndiGo's commitment to addressing the regulatory concerns is of significant importance to the aviation sector.
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