BCAS slaps Rs 1.2 crore penalty on IndiGo Airlines

In recent developments, aviation regulators in India have handed down fines to major airlines and an airport authority for various security lapses. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has imposed penalties of Rs 30 lakh each on SpiceJet and Air India, while the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has levied a hefty fine of Rs 1.2 crore on IndiGo Airlines.

IndiGo Airlines, in particular, faces penalties for multiple offenses, including failure to report an incident to the DGCA, non-compliance with an office order dated September 21, 2021, neglecting to ensure the screening of passengers and their baggage before boarding, and failure to maintain an accurate aircraft release certificate for a specific flight. Additionally, the airline is accused of not deploying security staff as required and not responding to the situation in a responsible and efficient manner.

The BCAS has also penalized Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) with a Rs 30 lakh fine for an incident in which passengers of a delayed flight were observed eating on the tarmac. The BCAS has filed four counts against MIAL, including failure to report the incident to BCAS, providing false statements about the deployment of security officers, lack of alternate arrangements for surveillance on the Apron, and failure to implement security control measures at the Apron.

Furthermore, both the BCAS and DGCA have jointly imposed fines of Rs 60 lakhs and Rs 30 lakhs on Mumbai airport for their respective roles in the cited security lapses.

These penalties underscore the regulatory authorities' commitment to maintaining high standards of safety and security in the aviation sector. The fines are aimed at ensuring strict adherence to protocols and procedures, fostering a culture of compliance within airlines and airport authorities, and ultimately safeguarding the well-being of passengers and the integrity of the aviation industry.