air india Fine: air india was fined Rs 10 lakh, know why DGCA took action


The Directorate of Aviation (DGCA) imposed a fine on air india for denying boarding to passengers having valid tickets, a report said.The Directorate of Aviation, DGCA, taking action on air india, has imposed a fine of Rs 10 lakh on it. In a report issued in this regard, it has been told that the DGCA imposed this fine on air india for denying boarding to passengers having valid tickets.


Aviation regulator DGCA on tuesday said it has imposed a fine of Rs 10 lakh on air india for denying boarding to passengers holding valid tickets and subsequently not paying mandatory compensation to passengers. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said in a statement, that a show-cause notice was issued to the airline and a personal hearing was also conducted.


DGCA terming this as a serious and a matter of concern has advised the airline to immediately put in place systems to address the issue, failing which further stern action will be taken by DGCA. If a passenger is denied boarding despite having a valid ticket and has reported at the airport on time, the airline concerned has to follow certain rules as per the DGCA.

Citing rules on behalf of the Directorate of Aviation, it was said that if the airline concerned is able to arrange an alternate flight for the affected passenger within an hour, then no compensation is to be paid. On the other hand, if the airline is able to provide alternative arrangements within the next 24 hours, the rules stipulate a compensation of up to Rs 10,000. Compensation up to Rs 20,000 has been prescribed for more than 24 hours.


The DGCA said on tuesday that our terms on this subject are in line with the US aviation regulator FAA and european aviation regulator EASA and similar rules are followed globally to give due respect to passenger rights. Let us inform here that recently DGCA issued strict instructions to all domestic airlines to follow the above rule in letter and spirit.


The DGCA, in an e-mail on May 2, had asked all indian carriers to provide compensation and facilities to passengers affected by such denial of boarding and directed that they would be liable for a financial penalty for failing to do so.


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