India’s DGCA Issues Show Cause Notice to Akasa Air for Regulatory Breaches
India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a show cause notice to Akasa Air following a surprise audit conducted in May 2024, revealing multiple regulatory lapses. The audit uncovered violations of Civil Aviation Regulations and The Aircraft Rules of 1937, prompting the regulatory body to take action, reported ch-aviation.com.
The audit found that Akasa Air had been operating flights without a valid route guide and had conducted training sessions without securing the necessary regulatory approvals. These breaches of Civil Aviation Regulations 7/I/VII, 7/I/I, and Rule 140C of The Aircraft Rules (1937) have raised concerns about the airline’s adherence to aviation safety and operational protocols. The show cause notice, issued on August 29, 2024, requires Akasa Air to respond and explain these breaches within seven days.
In response to the notice, Akasa Air issued a statement affirming its commitment to safety, stating, “Safety is of utmost importance and we continuously strive to pursue the highest standards of safety.” The airline has confirmed that it will address the DGCA’s concerns within the specified time frame and provide the necessary clarifications.
Akasa Air, a relatively new player in the Indian aviation market, launched its first domestic revenue flights in August 2022. Since then, the airline has expanded its operations, launching international flights in March 2024. Despite its rapid growth, the recent regulatory scrutiny highlights the importance of maintaining compliance with aviation rules and regulations, especially for newer airlines entering the competitive aviation landscape.
According to data from ch-aviation, Akasa Air currently operates a fleet of twenty-three Boeing 737-8s and one Boeing 737-8-200, serving a network that spans 27 airports across India and the Middle East, including destinations in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait. With this growing fleet and international expansion, the airline aims to increase its market presence both domestically and internationally.
To date, Akasa Air claims to have flown over 11 million passengers, capturing a 4.5% share of the domestic aviation market. While the airline has made strides in building a customer base and expanding its reach, the regulatory lapses uncovered by the DGCA audit underscore the need for stringent adherence to safety and operational standards as the airline grows.
The DGCA’s audit and subsequent show cause notice are a reminder that safety and regulatory compliance are paramount in the aviation industry, regardless of an airline’s size or market share. As Akasa Air prepares its response to the DGCA’s notice, the airline will need to demonstrate its commitment to rectifying the identified lapses and ensuring full compliance with aviation regulations moving forward.
In light of this regulatory action, Akasa Air’s reputation for safety and reliability will be under scrutiny, particularly as it continues its expansion into international markets. The outcome of the DGCA’s inquiry will likely impact the airline’s operations in the coming months, with potential implications for its future growth and market standing.
Akasa Air’s ability to address these regulatory issues effectively and maintain its focus on safety will be crucial as it strives to solidify its position in India’s highly competitive aviation sector.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com, Directorate General of Civil Aviation