India’s aviation regulator has taken significant action against Air India, issuing a warning due to “repeated and serious violations” concerning pilot duty scheduling. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered the removal of three executives from crew scheduling roles following issues related to flights that exceeded the maximum flight time limit of 10 hours. These incidents occurred on May 16 and May 17 during flights from Bengaluru to London, prompting the DGCA to highlight systemic failures in scheduling protocols.
In a June 20 directive, the aviation authority criticized Air India’s lack of strict disciplinary actions for personnel responsible for these violations. This latest warning is separate from the ongoing scrutiny related to a recent crash of an Air India Boeing 787-8, which resulted in nearly all passengers aboard losing their lives, except for one survivor. This has placed further pressure on Air India to improve its safety practices.
Additionally, Air India has faced other scrutiny for breaching safety protocols; earlier reports indicated that three Airbus aircraft operated despite overdue checks for emergency equipment. Following the DGCA’s instruction, Air India has stated that it is in compliance with the orders and that the company’s chief operations officer would oversee the Integrated Operations Control Centre.
Air India, which was acquired by the Tata Group in 2022, is currently navigating challenges in rebuilding its reputation after enduring years of criticism for inadequate service. Notably, the DGCA has reported that it issued or imposed fines on airlines for compliance lapses 23 times last year, with Air India and its affiliate Air India Express involved in about half of these instances.
While the situation seems grim, the commitment from Air India to adhere to safety protocols and the proactive steps taken by the DGCA to ensure accountability may pave the way for positive improvements in the aviation sector. Enhanced oversight and adherence to strict safety measures stand as hopeful resolutions to restore trust in air travel within India.
Overall, this incident serves as a critical reminder of the importance of maintaining robust safety protocols in aviation, which not only protects passengers but also reinforces the industry’s commitment to continual improvement and accountability.
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