Air India woman in cockpit case: DGCA imposes ₹30 lakh fine on carrier
A cabin crew member of the flight had filed a complaint with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation about the pilot allowing a female friend into the cockpit. The incident happened on February 27.
The DGCA has imposed a fine of ₹30 lakh on Air India for violating regulations. The development came mere weeks after an Air India pilot made waves for allowing a female friend entry into the cockpit during during a Dubai-Delhi flight. The aviation watchdog had earlier issued a show cause notice to Air India CEO Campbell Wilson for the airline's lapses in reporting the incident.
“The pilot in command of the flight allowed the entry into cockpit during cruise, of an Air India Staff on duty travelling as passenger in violation of DGCA regulations. Air India has been fined ₹thirty lakhs for not promptly and effectively addressing the safety sensitive issue," the DGCA said.
The incident had occurred on February 27 this year, with a cabin crew member filing complaint with the DGCA.
“We acknowledge and accept the DGCA’s ruling. However, we reject the assertion that no action was taken by Air India in response to the complaint. There were a number of allegations which needed to be worked through with due process and confidentiality, and which commenced immediately upon the complaint being lodged," an Air India spokesperson said.
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An earlier PTI report quoting sources said that the incident “was reported by confidential mail to Campbell and Donohoe on March 3. The first enquiry was conducted by the DGCA on April 21 while Air India had not done any enquiry before that."
Following an investigation the DGCA has also suspended the pilot's license for three months for “misuse of his authority". Meanwhile the co-pilot has been warned for “not being assertive in preventing the violation".
Air India has also been directed to take administrative action against the staff on duty/passenger including removing from any managerial functions in the organization for a specified period.
(With inputs from agencies)
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