NEW DELHI: Air India (AI) was imposed a fine of Rs 10 lakh by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for withholding boarding to passengers who had valid tickets.
"After going through AI submissions, as part of enforcement action, the competent authority has levied a penalty of Rs 10 Lakh. In addition, the airline has been advised to immediately put the systems in place to resolve the issue failing which further action shall be taken by DGCA," the regulator said.
According to the New Indian Express, the move comes after several reports of airlines having denied boarding to passengers despite having valid tickets and reporting on time. The DGCA said after a series of inspections in Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Delhi that some airlines were not following them, despite having guidelines in place.
"In the case of Air India -- where the regulation is not being followed -- a show-cause notice was issued to the Airline and also a personal hearing was afforded. It appears that the airline does not have a policy in this regard and is not paying any compensation to hapless passengers, whose numbers can be anybody's guess," the DGCA said.
The DGCA laid down guidelines for denying boarding to a passenger despite having a valid ticket, and said that in this case, if the airline could arrange an alternative flight for that passenger within an hour they need not have to pay compensation.
However, if the airline makes an alternative arrangement within the next 24 hours, compensation of up to Rs 10,000 is recommended. Compensation of up to Rs 20,000 is payable after 24 hours.