Airlines, Mumbai airport slapped with ₹2.7 cr fine amid fog-induced chaos, safety lapses

Indian aviation regulators have levied hefty penalties totalling ₹2.7 crore on three major airlines, IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet and Mumbai airport due to passenger inconvenience and security norm violations during recent fog-related disruptions in air travel.

IndiGo, the country's largest airline, faces a cumulative penalty of ₹1.2 crore, while Mumbai airport has been fined ₹90 lakh. Air India and SpiceJet are each subject to a penalty of ₹30 lakh. The penalties stem from the failure of these entities to comply with directives issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation regarding the rostering of pilots qualified for low-visibility conditions during fog.

In a statement, the DGCA explained that an analysis of flight data for December 2023 revealed that SpiceJet and Air India did not roster CAT II/III and low-visibility qualified pilots for some flights, violating relevant Civil Aviation Requirements. Show-cause notices were issued on January 2, and responses from SpiceJet and Air India were deemed unsatisfactory.

Additionally, the civil aviation ministry issued a show-cause notice to IndiGo and Mumbai International Airport following the circulation of a video depicting passengers eating on the airport's tarmac. Officials criticized both for not proactively anticipating and facilitating passengers during the situation.

The incident involved IndiGo flights 6E-2195 and 6E-2091, which were allocated remote bays instead of contact stands, depriving passengers of access to essential facilities. The DGCA highlighted that passengers being on the apron for an extended period violated safety regulations outlined in the 2007 Air Safety circular, jeopardizing the safety of passengers and aircraft.

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