DGCA Takes Action Against Air India Over Passenger Rights Compliance

In a significant development within the aviation industry, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated measures to ensure the enforcement of passenger rights and safety standards. The DGCA, responsible for overseeing civil aviation operations in India, is proactively addressing concerns related to passenger rights and compliance with international aviation norms.

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In a significant development within the aviation industry, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated measures to ensure the enforcement of passenger rights and safety standards. The DGCA, responsible for overseeing civil aviation operations in India, is proactively addressing concerns related to passenger rights and compliance with international aviation norms.

Recently, the DGCA issued a show cause notice to Air India, one of India's leading airlines, after discovering the airline's non-compliance with the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) pertaining to passenger rights and safety. This move underscores the DGCA's unwavering commitment to passenger welfare.

Over the years, the DGCA has been dedicated to reinforcing passenger rights, particularly in cases involving denied boarding, flight cancellations, and delays. In 2010, it introduced CAR Section-3, Series M part IV, titled "Facilities to be provided to passengers by airlines due to denied boarding, cancellation of flights, and delays in flights." This regulation has undergone necessary revisions to adapt to changing circumstances.

Consequently, the DGCA has taken the formal step of serving a Show Cause Notice to Air India, requiring the airline to provide a response addressing its non-compliance with CAR regulations. This procedure is standard practice when airlines breach aviation safety and passenger rights guidelines.

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It's noteworthy that similar inspections were conducted at major airports in the past year, revealing Air India's failure to adhere to CAR provisions concerning denied boarding. As a consequence of these violations, Air India was subjected to a fine of Rs. 10,00,000/-.

The DGCA's actions emphasize the paramount importance of maintaining rigorous passenger rights and safety standards within the Indian aviation sector. As Air India formulates its response to the show cause notice, the DGCA will evaluate the necessary actions to ensure the protection of passenger rights and the rectification of violations as stipulated by regulatory guidelines. This development will be closely monitored by passengers and stakeholders as the DGCA continues to champion the interests of air travelers.