Air India Slapped With ₹80 Lakh Fine For Violating Flight Duty Time Rules

New Delhi: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has levied a hefty fine of Rs 80 lakh on Air India for breaching flight duty time regulations (FDTL) and fatigue management system (FMS) rules. This action follows a January audit that uncovered numerous violations, including inadequate rest periods for crew, especially before and after ultra-long-range flights, and during layovers.

The audit also revealed instances of pilots surpassing duty periods, falsely documented as training records, posing significant risks to flight safety and passenger welfare. Furthermore, reports indicate that Air India Limited operated flights with both flight crew members above 60 years of age flying together, contravening Sub Rule (2) of Rule 28 A of the Aircraft Rules, 1937.

The regulator highlighted Air India’s failure to provide sufficient weekly rest, proper rest before and after ultra-long-range flights, and adequate layover rest for flight crew, violating Civil Aviation Requirements concerning FDTL.

Previously, the aviation authority fined Air India Rs 30 lakh following the death of an 80-year-old passenger during the immigration process on February 12.