DGCA Cracks Down on Indian Airlines: Enhanced Surveillance for SpiceJet, Fines for Air India Express, and Akasa Air

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken strict action against three Indian airlines: SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and Air India Express—citing concerns over customer experience and safety standards. SpiceJet, struggling with financial difficulties, has been placed under “enhanced surveillance,” which involves more frequent spot checks and night inspections to ensure operational safety. This decision follows a special audit in August 2024, which highlighted deficiencies in SpiceJet’s engineering facilities.

Air India Express has been fined Rs 10 lakh for failing to compensate passengers for cancelled flights, as discovered during an inspection conducted under the Annual Surveillance Programme (ASP) 2024. The DGCA imposed the fine after the airline’s response to a show cause notice was deemed unsatisfactory.

Akasa Air also faces scrutiny after a spot audit revealed that it conducted practical training sessions without the required regulatory approvals. This raised concerns about the airline’s training standards and operational readiness, leading the DGCA to issue a show cause notice demanding a response within seven days.

Last week, the DGCA fined Air India Rs 99 lakh for operating a flight in July with unqualified pilots. Meanwhile, SpiceJet, which has faced losses for six consecutive years, is seeking additional funding to continue operations.