Aerospace

Regulator fines Air India $37,000 for unruly passenger incident

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Many travelers were outraged by the event in which a drunk passenger in Air India’s business class urinated on fellow passengers, and it also raised concerns about the airline standards. Now According to news from the Times of India. On Friday, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) fined Air India Rs 30 lakh for the drunken urination episode on board a flight from New York to Delhi, in which the airline disregarded its policies on dealing with disruptive passengers. The pilot-in-license commands have been put on three-month suspension.

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According to the information gathered here, the DGCA is conducting an inquiry on both ends after cases were filed by both sides. It was determined that the airline handled the incident improperly, causing the victim to experience the worst possible scenario. If the offender had been detained immediately after the offense, the case would have been treated correctly; however, it wasn’t until the victim complained that the matter was given serious consideration. Air India gets penalized for the mistakes after taking into account all the factors.

“On January 4, 2023, the DGCA was made aware of a passenger misbehavior incident that occurred on the AI-102 flight from New York to New Delhi on November 26, 2022. According to reports, a male passenger discharged himself on a female passenger.

The DGCA addressed show-cause letters to each of the flight’s pilots and cabin crew members, as well as to the accountable manager of Air India, the director of AI’s in-flight services, asking them to justify why no enforcement action should be taken against them for breaking regulatory standards. In a statement made public on Friday, the DGCA claimed to have investigated Air India’s written answer and the parties concerned.

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“As a result, the following enforcement actions have been put into practice in this situation: Due to the violation of the pertinent DGCA Civil Aviation Requirements, Air India was fined Rs. 30 lakh. If the pilot-in-command of the aforementioned flight does to carry out his duties in accordance with Rule 141 of the 1937 Aircraft Rules and any relevant DGCA Civil Aviation Requirements, his license will be suspended for three months (03 months).

Air India’s Director-in-Flight Services was fined Rs. 3 lakhs for not carrying out her responsibilities in compliance with the pertinent DGCA Civil Aviation Requirements.”

The airline has already placed the passenger (Mishra) on its “No Fly List.” The director general of civil aviation has received a copy of the Internal Committee report from Air India, who has also informed other domestic carriers, according to a spokeswoman for the airline.

The national no-fly list, which is maintained by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), temporarily prevents rowdy passengers from boarding planes operated by all Indian carriers. Mishra is now only prohibited from boarding Air India aircraft.

Aerospace

EASA Ends Suspension on PIA, Approves Flights to Europe

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The suspension of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) from operating in Europe is finally over, marking a significant turning point for Pakistan’s aviation sector.

After years of scrutiny and stringent safety assessments, the European Commission and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have officially lifted the ban on PIA. This decision also grants Airblue authorization to operate flights to Europe, further enhancing Pakistan’s connectivity with the region.

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PIA’s suspension, initially imposed in June 2020, was a direct consequence of concerns regarding the oversight capabilities of Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA). These concerns were triggered shortly after a tragic PIA plane crash that claimed 97 lives, prompting an investigation into the validity of pilot licenses issued in the country.

Now, after four years of continuous efforts and reforms by the PCAA, EASA has expressed renewed confidence in Pakistan’s aviation regulatory framework. In a statement, EASA highlighted that Pakistan has successfully addressed safety compliance issues, enabling PIA to resume its operations within the European Union.

A spokesperson for PIA expressed optimism, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to strictly adhere to EASA’s regulations and guidelines. “This milestone has been achieved after four years of relentless efforts by the PIA management,” the spokesperson said.

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The lifting of the ban is expected to have a profound impact on PIA’s future. The airline, which employs over 7,000 people, has faced criticism in the past for poor management, financial instability, and regulatory challenges.

However, the restoration of European operations is seen as a vital step toward regaining its competitive edge, improving its financial standing, and restoring its reputation on the global stage.

Pakistan’s government, which has been exploring options to privatize the debt-laden national carrier, is hopeful that this development will attract foreign investment and bolster the country’s aviation industry.

With a renewed focus on compliance and safety, PIA is now poised to rebuild its presence in Europe, offering Pakistani travelers and international passengers more connectivity and improved service.