Airline Fines: IndiGo Penalized Rs 1.20 Cr, Air India-SpiceJet Rs 30 Lakh Over Safety Violations

SpiceJet and Air India, two prominent players in the aviation industry, have incurred fines of Rs 30 lakh each for their alleged negligence in deploying pilots during adverse weather conditions. This regulatory action was taken by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on January 17. Simultaneously, IndiGo, another major airline, has been subjected to a substantial fine of Rs 1.20 crore for violations related to inflight dining at the airport.

DGCA Analysis Reveals Significant Flight Disruptions at Delhi Airport in December 2023

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has recently conducted a comprehensive analysis of flight data for December 2023, specifically focusing on incidents of delayed, canceled, and diverted flights. The findings indicate a noteworthy impact on flight operations, particularly at the Delhi airport between December 25 and 28, primarily attributed to adverse weather conditions, specifically fog. Of the affected flights, a substantial portion belonged to Air India and SpiceJet.

A recent investigation has brought to light a breach in aviation standards by Air India and SpiceJet regarding pilot assignments during adverse weather conditions. The inquiry revealed that both airlines failed to deploy pilots trained in Category III (CAT-3) operations when required, leading to extensive delays and diversions for a significant number of flights.

A recent investigation has exposed a significant breach in international aviation standards by Air India and SpiceJet concerning the assignment of pilots during adverse weather conditions. The inquiry uncovered that both airlines failed to deploy pilots trained in Category III (CAT-3) operations, a global standard designed to ensure the safe landing of flights in challenging weather conditions marked by low visibility.

IndiGo Airlines and Mumbai International Airport Penalized for Runway Dining Violation Following Flight Disruption

IndiGo Airlines, a major player in the aviation industry, has incurred a substantial fine of Rs 1.20 crore for a violation involving passengers dining in close proximity to the runway. Simultaneously, Mumbai International Airport has been fined Rs 60 lakh in connection with the same incident. The regulatory measures come in response to the disruption caused by the delayed and diverted flight 6E 2195 from Goa to Delhi on January 14. Frustrated passengers, facing a 12-hour delay, resorted to having dinner near the runway at Mumbai Airport.

A recently circulated video on social media has raised significant safety concerns as it captured passengers dining near an active runway, with flights taking off in the background. The footage has sparked widespread attention due to the potential safety implications associated with the presence of passengers in close proximity to operational runways, highlighting a critical lapse in safety protocols.

DGCA Introduces New SOP to Mitigate Flight Delays Due to Fog; War Rooms and Enhanced Communication Protocols Implemented

In a significant development, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has introduced a new Standard Operation Protocol (SOP) aimed at addressing flight delays caused by fog. The Ministry of Civil Aviation, on January 16, unveiled plans to establish three new war rooms at major metro airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata. These war rooms are designed to enhance passenger convenience and streamline operational responses during adverse weather conditions.

Key Components of the New SOP:

War Rooms at Major Metro Airports:

Under the new SOP, dedicated war rooms will be established at key metro airports across the country. These war rooms, strategically located in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata, will serve as centralized hubs to manage and coordinate operational responses to flight delays caused by fog.

Enhanced Communication Protocols:

Airlines are instructed to proactively communicate flight delays to passengers, especially in foggy conditions. The new protocol mandates airlines to provide information about delayed flights three times a day. This proactive communication aims to keep passengers informed about the status of their flights and minimize inconvenience.

24×7 Presence of CISF:

To bolster security measures, the new SOP ensures a round-the-clock presence of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). This measure is implemented to safeguard airport facilities and maintain a secure environment for both passengers and airport staff.

Opening of Runway 29L at Delhi’s IGI Airport:

Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced the reopening of Runway 29L at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. This decision is expected to optimize runway capacity and contribute to more efficient flight operations, particularly during adverse weather conditions.