Air India Faces Scrutiny for Safety Lapses and Pilot Oversight Issues
India's aviation regulator has warned Air India for violating pilot duty schedules and safety protocols. The airline was directed to replace executives responsible for oversight failures. With increased regulatory attention, Air India, now a Tata Group entity, faces challenges in restoring its image amid historic lapses.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India's aviation watchdog, has issued a stern warning to Air India over repeated violations concerning pilot duty scheduling. Reviewed government directives reveal significant oversights in adherence to stipulated guidelines.
In response, the DGCA ordered the removal of three Air India executives involved in crew scheduling following flights exceeding the 10-hour pilot flight time limit. The flights in question occurred on May 16 and 17 between Bengaluru and London, highlighting 'systemic failures' in scheduling protocols.
This heightened scrutiny comes amidst the month's unrelated Air India Boeing 787-8 crash and follows previous DGCA warnings about safety protocol breaches. The aviation authority stresses the need for stringent disciplinary action, supported by Air India's commitment to safety improvements under its new ownership, the Tata Group.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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