DGCA imposes fine of Rs 30 lakh on Air India over Pilot allowing friend into Cockpit

Directorate General of Civil Aviation, DGCA has imposed a fine of 30 lakh rupees on Air India for not promptly and effectively addressing safety issues related to Delhi-Dubai Air India flight incident of 27th February.

The Pilot in command of the flight had allowed the entry of a friend into Cockpit during a cruise, in violation of DGCA regulations. DGCA has suspended the license of the pilot who operated the Dubai-Delhi flight for three months. The Copilot has been warned for not being assertive in preventing the violation.

CEO of Air India received a complaint in this regard from one of the operating crew members of the flight. However, the organization did not take prompt corrective action despite this being a safety-sensitive violation. Anticipating a delayed response, the complainant approached the DGCA.