The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has fined IndiGo Airlines ₹30 lakh for a series of tail strike incidents involving A321 aircraft over six months in 2023. The penalty came after a special audit conducted by the DGCA, which thoroughly reviewed IndiGo’s documentation and procedures related to operations, training, engineering, and the Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) program.
During the audit, deficiencies were identified in IndiGo’s training and engineering procedures. Subsequently, the DGCA issued a show cause notice, demanding a response from the airline within a specific timeframe. However, upon evaluation at different levels, the provided reply was deemed unsatisfactory.
The DGCA has directed IndiGo to make necessary amendments to their documents and procedures to comply with DGCA requirements and guidelines set forth by the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM).
Following the DGCA’s special audit in June 2023, IndiGo received a show cause notice on July 3, 2023, with a 15-day response period. The audit was prompted by four tail strike incidents involving A321 aircraft within the previous six months.
IndiGo responded to the show cause notice on July 19, 2023, asserting that they did not violate procedures laid down by the OEM and approved in regulatory manuals.
Despite the airline’s response, the DGCA reviewed the case and ultimately imposed the ₹30 lakh penalty on July 28, 2023.
IndiGo has one month to appeal the decision, and the airline is currently examining the DGCA order to formulate their response.
In the meantime, IndiGo has issued a notice emphasizing their zero-tolerance policy towards any compromise on safety.
