IndiGo Faces Rs 40 Lakh Penalty as Pilot Training Appeal Fails

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AuthorIshaan Verma|Published at:
IndiGo Faces Rs 40 Lakh Penalty as Pilot Training Appeal Fails
Overview

IndiGo's appeal against the Directorate General of Civil Aviation's Rs 40 lakh penalty for alleged pilot training simulator lapses has been rejected. The DGCA Appellate Authority upheld the fine on two senior executives, citing failures at Category C airports, adding to the airline's regulatory challenges.

Regulatory Setback for IndiGo

IndiGo's parent company, InterGlobe Aviation, announced Friday that an appellate authority has dismissed its appeal against penalties imposed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The fines target two senior executives for alleged failures in pilot training protocols.

The DGCA had initially levied a Rs 20 lakh penalty each on the Director Flight Operations and Director Training in September. These penalties arose from the airline's alleged failure to utilize qualified simulators for pilot training sessions conducted at certain airports.

Penalty Details

The DGCA Appellate Authority, in an order dated January 7, confirmed the dismissal of the appeal. Consequently, the Rs 20 lakh penalties for each executive stand. The core issue involved the use of simulators for pilots operating flights to and from Category C aerodromes, which typically present greater operational complexities and necessitate specific pilot training.

IndiGo had previously contested the order, informing the stock exchange in October that it was pursuing the matter through the appropriate appellate channels. The outcome now reinforces the regulator's stance on stringent adherence to training standards.

Market Reaction

Shares of InterGlobe Aviation, the parent company of IndiGo, experienced a minor dip following the announcement. The stock closed 1.22 per cent lower on Friday, trading at Rs 4,844.70 on the BSE. This development adds to the ongoing scrutiny of operational compliance within the Indian aviation sector.

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