The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) took a strong stance against Tata-owned Air India on Tuesday, imposing a hefty fine of Rs 10 lakh for a series of violations related to passenger-centric provisions.
The aviation regulator has issued a stern ‘show-cause’ notice to the airline, demanding an explanation for its non-compliance with the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR).
In an official statement, the DGCA emphasized its unwavering commitment to strengthening the rights of passengers and ensuring that airlines adhere to globally recognized standards. The regulatory body pointed to its proactive efforts in this regard, including the issuance of CAR Section-3, Series M part IV titled “Facilities to be provided to passengers by airlines due to denied boarding, cancellation of flights, and delays in flights” back in 2010. This initiative aimed to guarantee proper protection for air travelers when faced with flight disruptions, particularly denied boardings, flight cancellations, and delays.
To enforce compliance with these passenger-centric guidelines, the DGCA has been conducting inspections of scheduled domestic airlines at major airports since May 2023. During these rigorous inspections, it became evident that Air India was failing to meet the specified CAR provisions. Consequently, the DGCA swiftly issued a Show Cause Notice to Air India, compelling the airline to account for its non-compliance with CAR requirements.
Air India faced a similar examination last year at major airports. Due to recurring non-compliance with CAR provisions related to denied boarding of passengers, a substantial fine of Rs 10 lakh was levied on the airline. The DGCA’s emphasis on empathy and passenger rights reaffirms its commitment to ensuring a safe and passenger-friendly travel experience.
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