New Delhi: Low-cost carrier IndiGo has been fined Rs 1.2 crore by the Bureau Of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) following a viral video showing passengers eating on the tarmac while waiting for a delayed flight.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) also took notice of the video, ordering Mumbai Airport to pay Rs 30 lakh for the violation.
The Centre issued show-cause notices to both IndiGo and Mumbai Airport over the incident captured in the video. IndiGo is required to pay the substantial fine, the highest penalty imposed on a carrier recently, within 30 days, as stated by BCAS.
Describing the incident as a "violation of apron discipline," DGCA pointed out that passengers from two IndiGo flights were on the apron for an extended period at Mumbai's CSMI Airport, violating safety regulations. The DGCA deemed the presence of passengers on the apron a breach of safety, jeopardising the safety of passengers and aircraft.
Mumbai Airport's response on January 17 was found unsatisfactory, indicating a failure to adhere to safety requirements. Consequently, the DGCA imposed a penalty of Rs 30 lakh on Mumbai Airport under relevant regulations.
In addition to IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet have been fined Rs 30 lakh each for poor preparedness leading to fog-related delays. Both airlines failed to roster CAT II/III and LVTO-qualified pilots for some flights, violating Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR). The fines were imposed based on violations and non-compliance with DGCA directives.
This winter's fog delays took an unprecedented turn, with social media visuals showing passengers sitting on the tarmac, next to an aircraft, eating meals. In the video, exhausted passengers were seen sitting on the tarmac just a few steps away from an IndiGo plane, eating their meals after their Goa-Delhi flight was diverted to Mumbai due to low visibility in Delhi.
IndiGo responded to the incident, stating it was aware of the situation and apologising to customers. The airline assured that it is currently investigating the incident and will take necessary steps to avoid similar instances in the future.