Services
Option Trading with CA Abhay
Equity Trading with CA Abhay
Stock Market Masterclass
FNO Stocks with CA Abhay
Equity Investment with CA Abhay
DGCA Suspends Akasa Air Directors Over Failure to Ensure Compliance in Pilot Training
Team Finance Saathi
28/Dec/2024
What's covered under the Article:
- DGCA orders six-month suspension of two Akasa Air directors for pilot training non-compliance.
- The airline faces a ₹10 lakh penalty over compensation failure for denied boarding passengers.
- Akasa Air denies training allegations, asserting compliance with safety standards.
On December 27, 2024, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) imposed a six-month suspension on two senior directors at Akasa Air. The suspended directors, responsible for operations and training at the airline, were found guilty of failing to ensure compliance with civil aviation regulations, specifically in relation to the training of pilots. This order comes after several concerns were raised by pilots about potential training lapses at the carrier.
Akasa Air, which was founded with support from the family of the late Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, is still a relatively young airline, operating for just over two years. Despite its short tenure, it has already faced scrutiny from the DGCA for various regulatory violations. In December, it was revealed that some pilots at Akasa had flagged concerns regarding their training, a claim the airline has vehemently denied, labeling the allegations as baseless.
The DGCA suspension follows a series of regulatory actions against Akasa Air. Just a few days earlier, on December 24, the DGCA imposed a ₹10 lakh fine on Akasa Air for failing to provide timely compensation to passengers who were denied boarding at the Bangalore airport in September. This incident was a result of an Akasa Air flight being grounded due to foreign object damage. When the airline arranged a replacement aircraft, it had nine non-operational seats, leading to the denial of boarding for seven passengers. These passengers were later accommodated on a flight operated by IndiGo, which departed more than an hour later than the original scheduled time. However, despite the delay, Akasa Air did not offer any compensation, which is a violation of DGCA regulations.
In response to the DGCA’s actions, Akasa Air’s spokesperson assured that the airline is committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and compliance. The spokesperson also mentioned that the airline would continue to cooperate with the DGCA to enhance its protocols where necessary. The airline further emphasized its priority of ensuring the safety of its passengers and crew.
This suspension and penalty mark another chapter in Akasa Air’s regulatory troubles. The airline has faced increasing scrutiny as it navigates through challenges, not only with the DGCA but also with its internal practices regarding pilot training. Despite its young age, Akasa has ambitious plans to expand its operations and establish a stronger presence in India’s competitive aviation market. However, regulatory issues like these could pose a significant hindrance to the airline's growth trajectory.
The DGCA’s actions underscore the importance of strict adherence to safety regulations in the aviation sector. The aviation regulator has consistently stressed the importance of ensuring that all airlines operate in full compliance with safety standards, especially when it comes to the training and qualifications of pilots. The suspension of the two Akasa Air directors serves as a stern reminder of the potential consequences of failing to meet these crucial regulatory requirements.