The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a showcause notice to Akasa Air and an enhanced surveillance notice to SpiceJet, highlighting regulatory breaches that have surfaced during recent audits.
Akasa Air has been given a week to respond to the DGCA’s concerns. According to the aviation regulatory body, discrepancies were identified during spot audits, particularly in the airline’s practical training sessions for crew members. The DGCA reported that these sessions were being simulated and completed without the necessary approvals, raising concerns about the adequacy of the training standards. In response, an Akasa Air spokesperson stated, “We will submit a response as per the protocol,” indicating the airline’s intention to address the issues raised.
On the other hand, SpiceJet has been placed under enhanced surveillance due to operational deficiencies noted by the DGCA. Recent reports revealed that the airline had to cancel multiple flights from Dubai, attributed to unpaid fees, marking the second disruption of this nature within the month. A special audit conducted earlier this month exposed further deficiencies, leading to the DGCA’s decision to increase scrutiny. This enhanced surveillance will involve more frequent spot checks and potentially night-time audits to ensure compliance with safety regulations. A SpiceJet spokesperson attributed the cancellations to “operational issues” but assured that all scheduled flights from Dubai are now operating smoothly.
The heightened oversight comes as part of the DGCA’s ongoing efforts to maintain high standards of operational safety and regulatory compliance within the Indian aviation sector. Both airlines now face increased scrutiny, underscoring the DGCA’s commitment to addressing lapses and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards.
