Aviation Regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) imposed a fine of Rs 10 lakh on Air India.
The fine was imposed on the aircraft company for failing to compensate passengers who were refused boarding despite having a valid ticket and being at the airport/check-in on time.
“After that a series of checks were carried out by DGCA and during our surveillance at Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Delhi, there were specific instances, in the case of Air India – where the regulation (regarding compensation to passengers) is not being followed and therefore, a show cause notice was issued to the airline and also a personal hearing was afforded,” the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said in a statement.
While as per the regulator, Air India may not have a policy in this regard and does not pay compensation to the passengers.
“To say the least, it is a matter of serious concern and unacceptable. In the specific cases detailed in the show cause notice, after going through AI submissions, as part of enforcement action, the competent authority has levied a penalty of Rs. 10 lakh,” it noted.
“In addition, the Airline has been advised to immediately put the systems in place to resolve the issue – failing which further action shall be taken by DGCA,” it added.
Prior to this DGCA also imposed a Rs 10 lakh fine on SpiceJet for training 737 Max aircraft’s pilots on a faulty simulator. While in another case, it imposed a penalty of Rs 5 lakh on IndiGo for not allowing a boy with special needs to board a flight from Ranchi.
