Air India Fined, Pilot Suspended for Entertaining “Lady Friend” in Cockpit

New Delhi:The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has imposed a fine of Rs 30 lakh on Air India for allowing a ‘lady friend’ of a pilot into the cockpit during a Delhi-Dubai flight on February 27 this year.

According to reports, the cabin crew had accused the pilot of entertaining a female friend in the cockpit and asking for her to be served alcohol and snacks there. The DGCA has taken strict action against Air India for flouting safety norms.

In addition to the fine, the license of the pilot has been suspended for three months. Further, a warning has also been issued to the co-pilot for not being assertive in preventing the violation. The DGCA has directed Air India to take administrative action against the female passenger, who was an Air India staff on duty and was travelling as a passenger on the flight.

Interestingly, the DGCA discovered during its investigation that the female passenger was an Air India staff on duty who was travelling as a passenger on the flight. As per the DGCA’s directive, Air India must remove her from any managerial functions for a specified period.

In March this year, the complainant had written to the CEO of Air India, Campbell Wilson, but received no response. Following this, the complainant approached the DGCA, which took action post conclusion of evidence.

The DGCA has accused Air India of not taking prompt corrective action despite being informed of the safety-sensitive violation. The regulator’s strict action against Air India sends a clear message to airlines to adhere to safety protocols and take quick action against any violation.