Airlines Fined for Fog-Flouting; Passengers Dine on Tarmac: Aviation Chaos

Airlines Fined for Fog-Flouting; Passengers Dine on Tarmac: Aviation Chaos

Fog Flies, Fines Follow: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has slapped hefty fines on airlines for failing to prepare for low-visibility conditions during the recent cold season. Indigo received a Rs 1.2 crore fine, while Air India and SpiceJet were each fined Rs 30 lakh.

Unprepared for the Fog: The fines stem from the airlines’ failure to roster pilots trained for CAT II/III and Low Visibility Take-off (LVTO) operations, crucial for safe landings in low visibility conditions. Despite pre-season meetings with aviation stakeholders to assess fog preparedness, DGCA found Air India and SpiceJet lacking in qualified pilots for some December flights.

Show Cause Notices Before Fines: This wasn’t the first warning. Earlier, DGCA issued show cause notices to Air India and SpiceJet after several flights were diverted due to dense fog and concerns about pilot training.

Tarmac Dining and Show Cause Notices: Meanwhile, the Ministry of Civil Aviation issued show cause notices to both Indigo and Mumbai Airport after a video surfaced online showing passengers sitting and eating on the tarmac. The ministry criticized both parties for not anticipating the situation and failing to provide proper assistance to passengers.

Safety First, Passengers Matter: These incidents highlight the importance of prioritizing safety and passenger well-being in aviation. Airlines must ensure adequate training for pilots and proper preparedness for all weather conditions. Airports must also be proactive in managing passenger flow and ensuring their comfort and safety.