IndiGo removes pilots from flying duty after Delhi-Baku flight takes off without ATC clearance
Passengers Stranded for Over 40 Hours as IndiGo's Mumbai-Istanbul Flight Experiences Extended Delay
In a recent safety breach, IndiGo Airlines took swift action by removing the pilots of the Delhi-Baku flight (6E 1803) from flying duty after it was discovered that they took off without the necessary clearance from the air traffic controller (ATC).
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has removed the pilots of IndiGo’s January 29 flight from Delhi to Azerbaijan’s capital Baku, 6E-1803, from flying duty as the regulator investigates whether they took off without the required air traffic control (ATC) clearance.
The aviation regulator emphasized a zero-tolerance approach towards such incidents, highlighting the critical importance of adherence to safety protocols in the aviation sector.
The safety breach investigation coincides with recent regulatory actions, where the DGCA imposed fines on Mumbai Airport and IndiGo Airline for a separate incident involving passengers eating openly near the airstrip. The regulator fined Mumbai Airport ₹90 lakh and IndiGo Airline ₹1.2 crore in response to the viral video circulating on social media.
Minister of Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya Scindia has taken a keen interest in the matter, convening a midnight meeting with ministry officials to address the situation.
The incident raises concerns about the proactive measures taken by both IndiGo and Mumbai International Airport in anticipating and facilitating appropriate arrangements for passengers affected by the unauthorized takeoff.
The airline, IndiGo, is yet to issue an official statement regarding the de-rostering of the pilots. More details are awaited as the investigation unfolds.
“Both IndiGo and Mumbai International Airport were not proactive in anticipating the situation and in making the appropriate facilitation arrangements for passengers at the airport,” an official aware of the development said.
The incident underscores the industry’s ongoing challenges, with the DGCA issuing show-cause notices to Air India and SpiceJet for rostering pilots not trained in CAT III technology, crucial for landing during dense fog and inclement weather conditions.
Passengers have been sharing their experiences with IndiGo, expressing dissatisfaction over cancellations, unreasonable delays, and alleged deviations from industry standards.
The aviation sector remains under scrutiny as regulatory bodies prioritize safety and operational compliance to ensure the well-being of passengers and the integrity of air travel services.
