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DGCA Penalizes Air India with Rs 90 Lakh Fine Over Non-Qualified Pilots

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In a significant regulatory action, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has imposed a hefty fine of Rs 90 lakh on Air India for operating a flight with pilots who were not properly qualified.

The incident, which has raised serious safety concerns, highlights the airline’s failure to adhere to crucial operational standards. The issue came to light on July 10 when Air India voluntarily submitted a report to the DGCA, prompting the regulator to investigate the matter.

According to the DGCA’s findings, the flight in question was commanded by a non-trainer line captain paired with a first officer who had not yet been officially released for line duties. This lapse in scheduling, described by the DGCA as a “serious scheduling incident,” posed significant safety risks.

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In response to the violation, the DGCA has not only imposed a fine on Air India but has also levied penalties on key individuals within the airline. Pankul Mathur, Air India’s Director of Operations, has been fined Rs 6 lakh, while Manish Vasavada, the Director of Training, has been fined Rs 3 lakh. The regulator cited negligence on the part of these officials, holding them accountable for their roles in the incident.

The DGCA’s statement emphasized that the flight’s commander, along with the airline’s post holders, was given the opportunity to explain their position through show-cause notices issued on July 22. However, the responses provided by the concerned parties were deemed unsatisfactory by the regulator. Consequently, the DGCA proceeded with enforcement action in accordance with existing regulations.

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The pilot involved in the incident has been issued a warning to exercise greater caution in the future to prevent similar occurrences. The DGCA has made it clear that such violations will not be tolerated, underscoring the importance of maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols.

This incident is the latest in a series of regulatory actions taken against Air India, which is now owned by the Tata group. Earlier this year, the DGCA issued a show-cause notice to the airline after passengers on two separate flights experienced discomfort air india refurbishment due to insufficient cabin cooling during prolonged delays. The regulator expressed concern that the airline was repeatedly failing to address passenger care adequately.

Airlines

Air India Unveils New Changes to HALAL Meat in Inflight Meals

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Air India has introduced significant changes to its inflight meal policy, particularly regarding halal-certified non-vegetarian meals, in response to the diverse dietary preferences of its passengers.

Effective from Sunday, November 10, the airline announced that it will no longer provide halal-certified non-vegetarian meals for Hindu and Sikh passengers. Instead, passengers can pre-book a Muslim Meal (MOML), which will still be halal-certified, ensuring that those who specifically request halal options can continue to receive them.

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The decision to adjust the meal offerings reflects Air India’s commitment to accommodating the various dietary needs of its diverse passenger base.

Under the new policy, the air india food menu will introduce non-halal non-vegetarian meal options, alongside its existing “Hindu Meal” that excludes beef and pork. This move is designed to cater to the dietary requirements of different faith groups while maintaining respect for their religious practices.

The announcement has been widely appreciated by many Hindu and Sikh passengers, who view the decision as a respectful gesture towards their cultural and religious traditions.

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By discontinuing halal-certified meals for Hindus and Sikhs, Air India is seen as addressing the growing demand for more inclusive meal options.

This shift is also seen as a stand against the so-called “halal mafia,” which some believe has influenced meal policies on airlines in India.

In a press release, air india plane further clarified the details of the new meal offerings. “MOML (Muslim Meal): Pre-booked meals labeled with a ‘MOML’ sticker are considered special meals (SPML),” the airline explained.

“A Halal Certificate will be provided only for the pre-booked MOML meal. All meals on flights to Saudi Arabia will remain halal-certified, with a Halal Certificate available for sectors to Jeddah, Dammam, Riyadh, and Medina, including Haj flights.”

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