Aviation regulator DGCA has imposed a fine of Rs 30 lakh on Air India in connection to Shankar Mishra’s case, where the first-class flier on New York to New Delhi flight, had allegedly “urinated” on a passenger. This is the largest-ever fine imposed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation against any carrier.
A “financial penalty of Rs 30,00,000 has been imposed on Air India for violation of applicable DGCA Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR),” the regulator said.
The aviation regulatory body has also suspended the licence of pilot-in-command of the flight for a period of three months for failing to discharge his duties as per Rule 141 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937 and applicable DGCA civil aviation requirements.
A financial penalty of Rs 3 lakh has also been imposed on the director-in-flight services of Air India for failing to discharge her duties.
Reacting to the aviation regulator’s notice, Air India spokesperson said, “We are studying the Director General of Civil Aviation’s order. We respectfully acknowledge the gaps in our reporting and are taking relevant steps to ensure that the same are addressed. We are also strengthening our crews’ awareness of and compliance with policies on the handling of incidents involving unruly passengers. Air India is committed to stand by the safety and well-being of our passengers.”
The enforcement actions for violation of applicable norms come nearly two months after the incident happened while it came to the notice of the DGCA only on January 4.
On Thursday, Air India imposed a four-month flying ban on Mishra, who is in jail now. Earlier, the airline had barred him from flying for 30 days.
In its statement on Friday, DGCA said enforcement actions have been taken in the incident which came to the notice of the regulator only on January 4.
The watchdog had issued show cause notices to Air India’s accountable manager, director in-flight services, all the pilots and cabin crew members of that flight as to why enforcement action should not be taken against them for dereliction of their regulatory obligations.
DGCA examined the written replies of Air India and the personnel involved, and decided on the enforcement actions.
The incident of passenger misbehavior occurred on AI-102 flight from New York to Delhi on November 26 last year, wherein a male passenger conducted himself in a disorderly manner and allegedly relieved himself on a female passenger, DGCA said.
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