Probe against Air India pilot who let lady friend inside cockpit; asked crew to be 'welcoming'

An Air India pilot on a Dubai-Delhi flight allowed a woman friend to enter the cockpit, according to a complaint filed by a cabin crew member of the same flight who has alleged that safety norms were violated.

Based on a complaint by an air hostess, India's aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated an investigation against the pilot, according to DGCA sources.

"We have taken serious note of the reported incident and investigations are underway in Air India. We have also reported the matter to the DGCA and are cooperating with their investigations. We have zero tolerance in aspects related to the safety and well-being of our passengers and will take requisite action, " Air India said in a statement

The complaint, accessed by ANI, alleged that the pilot of the Air India flight number AI915 wanted the crew to create a "welcoming, warm and comfortable", "living room"
feel in the cockpit for his woman friend. "The captain told me to go fetch some pillows from the bunk before Ms. XXX. reaches the cockpit to make her feel comfortable. The pilot said the cockpit should appear welcoming, warm and comfortable, as though he was preparing his living room for a lady friend. Also, asked me to take her drinks and snacks order and serve her," the air
hostess mentioned in the complaint copy accessed by ANI.