The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) fined Tata-owned Air India Limited Rs 98 lakh on Friday for operating flights with unqualified crew members. The DGCA stated that Air India operated a flight with a captain who was not a trainer and a first officer who was not released for line duties.

After the airline voluntarily reported the incident, the regulator conducted thorough investigations into its operations, revealing several regulatory violations. The aviation authority also fined Air India’s Director of Operations Rs 6 lakh and the Director of Training Rs 3 lakh.

DGCA Flags Safety Risks 

The investigation revealed significant safety risks due to multiple regulatory violations and deficiencies by various Air India staff and post holders, according to the regulator. On July 22, 2024, the DGCA issued show cause notices to the flight commander and approved post holders of Air India. However, their responses were found unsatisfactory, leading the civil aviation regulator to enforce penalties under existing regulations.

The DGCA stated that the flight commander and approved post holders of Air India were given a chance to explain their actions through show cause notices issued on July 22, 2024. However, their responses did not provide satisfactory justification.

The DGCA has taken enforcement action according to existing rules and regulations, imposing the penalties mentioned. In March, the airline was previously fined Rs 80 lakh for violating pilot rest period rules. The DGCA had conducted an audit in January to ensure the airline was complying with Flight Duty Time Limit (FDTL) regulations.