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In the wake of concerns over IndiGo Airlines‘ frequent tail strike incidents, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has conducted a special audit and imposed a fine of INR 30 lakh on the airline. The audit unveiled ‘systemic deficiencies’ in IndiGo‘s documentation and procedures related to operations, training, and the Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) program.
IndiGo, in a statement, explained the sequence of events. Following the DGCA special audit in June 2023, focusing on documentation and operational procedures, IndiGo received a show cause notice on July 3, 2023, with a 15-day deadline to respond. The audit was prompted by the four tail strike incidents involving A321 aircraft in the past six months.
On July 19, 2023, IndiGo responded to the show cause notice, asserting that their procedures align with OEM guidelines and are approved in the regulatory manuals, indicating no violations. However, after reviewing IndiGo’s response, DGCA decided to impose a financial penalty of INR 30 Lakhs on 28 July 2023.
IndiGo has announced the launch of new codeshare connections to Casablanca, Morocco, via Istanbul, effective from July 24, 2023. As a part of its expansion plans in the African region, IndiGo is also gearing up for an upcoming direct flight to Nairobi. This move comes in response to the burgeoning demand for travel to Africa and reflects IndiGo’s commitment to providing enhanced flight options.
The airline encountered four tail strikes on their A321 aircraft within a span of six months, which led to the regulatory action by DGCA. In response to the findings, IndiGo has been directed to make necessary amendments to their documents and procedures, ensuring compliance with DGCA requirements and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) guidelines.Going forward, IndiGo has been granted one month to possibly appeal against the order. The airline is currently examining the DGCA order and intends to provide a comprehensive response in due time.
Additionally, IndiGo reassured its customers of its unwavering commitment to safety, emphasising a zero-tolerance policy towards any compromise in safety standards. “IndiGo would like to assure its customers that the airline has zero tolerance to any safety compromise,” said the airline.
IndiGo is a rapidly expanding low-cost carrier and one of the world’s fastest-growing airlines. With a fleet of over 300 aircraft, IndiGo operates more than 1850 daily flights, connecting 78 domestic destinations, and aims to expand its international footprint to 32 destinations soon.
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