Akasa Air has been penalised ₹10 lakh by the DGCA for refusing boarding to passengers
DGCA Fines Akasa Air Rs 10 Lakh for Denying Boarding and Failing to Compensate Passengers
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has imposed a fine of ₹10 lakh on Akasa Air for denying boarding to seven passengers and failing to provide the required compensation. The incident occurred on September 6, during a Bengaluru-Pune flight when passengers were prevented from boarding due to operational issues.
The aircraft had been grounded due to foreign object damage, leading to the deployment of a replacement plane with nine inoperable seats. As a result, seven passengers were unable to board. Although an alternative flight was arranged, Akasa Air did not offer compensation, violating the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) Section-3, Series M, Part IV.
In response to the DGCA’s December 24 order, an Akasa Air spokesperson stated, “We continue to work closely with the DGCA to address this matter and enhance our protocols as required by the regulator.”
Akasa Air Faces Increased Scrutiny from DGCA Over Operational and Maintenance Lapses
Akasa Air is under growing scrutiny from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) following multiple regulatory lapses. Just last week, the airline was issued a notice for deficiencies in aircraft maintenance and certification and a separate show-cause notice for delays in updating its operations manual.
Show-Cause Notice to Akasa AME
On December 9, the DGCA issued a show-cause notice to Akasa Air’s Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) after an inspection on August 30 at Bangalore International Airport revealed improper maintenance practices. Specifically, the inspection found that the right-hand nose wheel tire pressure indicator sensor on aircraft VT-YAY had been improperly reinstalled, with the certifying staff failing to ensure the sensor system was securely locked.
In its statement, the DGCA noted, “During a spot check on August 30 at KIAL airport, Bangalore, it was observed that the right-hand nose wheel tire pressure indicator system sensor on aircraft VT-YAY was reinstalled by certifying staff who failed to positively lock the system’s sensor.”
The DGCA attributed these violations to the AME’s failure to comply with the Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) 145 standards, highlighting gaps in maintenance protocols and certification procedures.
Akasa Air Penalized Rs 30 Lakh for Pilot Training Deficiencies
In October, Akasa Air was fined ₹30 lakh by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for significant lapses in pilot training protocols. The violations included conducting practical training for technical instructors and pilots without obtaining the required ATRP approvals, exceeding the permissible training hours, and appointing unqualified examiners for CAT II/III operations.
The DGCA had issued a show-cause notice on August 29, but deemed the airline’s explanations inadequate. Consequently, the penalty was imposed under Rule 162 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937.
