 "Representational image. File image/PTI")
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India’s top regulator, on Friday (June 20) ordered immediate action against three senior officials of Air India following “serious and repeated violations" related to flight crew scheduling and rostering.
The airline voluntarily disclosed lapses showing that flight crew were scheduled and operated flights despite failing to meet mandatory licensing, rest, and recency requirements.
The aviation regulator mandated immediate internal disciplinary actions against the responsible officials, with outcomes to be reported within 10 days.
“Internal disciplinary proceedings must be initiated against these officials without delay, and the outcome of such proceedings shall be reported to this office within 10 days from the date of issue of this letter,” the DGCA order read.
The DGCA’s letter further directed that these officials be reassigned to non-operational roles until scheduling practices are reformed, and they are barred from positions directly affecting flight safety and crew compliance until further notice.
Who are the three officials now facing DGCA’s action?
The three officials who were held directly accountable by the DGCA have been identified as: Choorah Singh, Divisional Vice President; Pinky Mittal, Chief Manager in the Directorate of Operations, Crew Scheduling; and Payal Arora, Crew Scheduling – Planning.
“Any future violation of crew scheduling norms, licensing, or flight time limitations detected in any post-audit or inspection will attract strict enforcement action, including but not limited to penalties, license suspension, or withdrawal of operator permissions, as applicable," the DGCA order concluded.
The development comes days after an Air India flight from Ahmedabad to Gatwick, London, crashed minutes after takeoff, killing 241 people on board.