DGCA warns Air India of possible licence suspension over ‘serious’ crew scheduling violations
New Delhi: India’s aviation watchdog, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has issued a stern warning to Air India, cautioning that the airline’s operating licence could be suspended or even revoked if it continues to breach crew scheduling norms, The Financial Express reported.
The warning follows what the regulator called “repeated and serious violations” in the airline’s pilot duty rosters and oversight systems.
Three senior officials removed over ‘systemic failures’
In a strong enforcement move, the DGCA has ordered the immediate removal of three top officials involved in crew scheduling: Choorah Singh, Divisional Vice President of the Integrated Operations Control Centre (IOCC); Pinky Mittal, Chief Manager-DOPS, Crew Scheduling; and Payal Arora, Crew Scheduling-Planning.
The June 20 enforcement order cited “systemic failures in crew scheduling, compliance monitoring and internal accountability” as the reason behind their removal.
“Of particular concern is the absence of strict disciplinary measures against key officials directly responsible for these operational lapses. These officials have been involved in serious and repeated lapses,” the order said.
Future violations to attract harsh penalties
The regulator has clearly outlined the consequences of any further non-compliance.
“Any future violation of crew scheduling norms, licensing, or flight time limitations detected in any post-audit or inspection, will attract strict enforcement action, including but not limited to penalties, license suspension, or withdrawal of operator permissions as applicable,” the DGCA stated.
Scrutiny grows after Dreamliner crash that killed over 270
The warning comes amid increased regulatory scrutiny following the June 12 crash of an Air India-operated Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
The London-bound aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing 241 of the 242 passengers on board, along with more than 30 people on the ground.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is currently investigating the cause of the tragedy.
Air India responds, removes officials named in DGCA order
Air India has confirmed compliance with the DGCA directive, stating that the three officials named in the order have been removed from their positions.
“In the interim, the company’s chief operations officer will provide direct oversight to the IOCC,” the airline said in a statement.
“Air India is committed to ensuring that there is total adherence to safety protocols and standard practices,” it addd.
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