DGCA: Financial penalty imposed on Air Asia for violating civil aviation rules

Digital Desk: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) fined Air Asia on Saturday for violating applicable DGCA Civil Aviation Requirements.

According to a release, the DGCA conducted a surveillance inspection of Air Asia (India) Ltd between November 23-25, 2022.

However, during the investigation, the DGCA team discovered that certain mandatory exercises of Air Asia (India) Ltd pilots were not completed as scheduled during the Pilot Proficiency Check/Instrument Rating check (which is an International Civil Aviation Organization requirement), resulting in a violation of DGCA regulations, according to the statement. 

The authority also handed a notice of cause to Air Asia (India) Ltd's accountable manager, head of training, and all designated examiners, asking them to explain why enforcement action should not be taken against them for failing to oversee their regulatory requirements.

Air Asia (India) Ltd has been fined Rs 20 lakhs by the DGCA for violating applicable DGCA Civil Aviation Requirements. The responsible managers, head of training, and all designated examiners' written responses were also scrutinised. 

Auditing has also directed to remove the Head of Training from his job for three months for failing to fulfil his duties following appropriate DGCA Civil Aviation Requirements.

The board has also levied a pecuniary penalty of Rs. 3 lakhs on each of Air Asia (India) Ltd's eight Designated Examiners for failing to fulfil their duties under the DGCA Civil Aviation Requirements.