DGCA Orders Dismissal of Air India Managers Over Scheduling Breaches

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken significant action by ordering Air India to dismiss three key senior managers linked to crew scheduling violations. These individuals include a divisional vice president, a chief manager in crew scheduling, and a planning executive, all of whom were let go following the DGCA's investigation into serious breaches that occurred during flights on May 16 and 17, when pilots exceeded the permissible 10-hour flying limit.

Investigators highlighted "systemic failures in scheduling protocol" and criticized the inadequate disciplinary measures imposed on those responsible for these oversights. It is essential to note that these scheduling violations are not connected to the tragic Air India crash on June 12, which resulted in the deaths of 241 people, including 53 British passengers, and is still under investigation for its causes.

Adding to Air India's challenges, the airline was recently admonished for safety breaches related to three Airbus aircraft, which operated despite having overdue safety checks on emergency escape slide equipment. In response to the DGCA's order, Air India stated that it has complied and appointed its chief operations officer to oversee the Integrated Operations Control Centre temporarily. The airline has emphasized its commitment to adhering strictly to safety protocols and standard practices.

The DGCA acknowledged that Air India proactively reported these violations. Over the past year, the majority of fines issued by India’s aviation authority have been directed towards Air India and its subsidiary, Air India Express. Among these, the most substantial penalty was $127,000 for “insufficient oxygen on board” certain international flights.