DGCA Cracks Down On Air India Over Lapses In Crew Scheduling

India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered Air India to remove its three officials from all roles and responsibilities related to crew scheduling and rostering. The aviation regulator issued the warning following the airline's repeated lapses in protocols. DGCA also asked Air India to initiate internal disciplinary proceedings against the three officials without delay.

Two Bengaluru–London flights, AI133 on May 16 and 17, reportedly exceeded the prescribed 10-hour duty limit for flight crew. "Repeated and serious violations voluntarily disclosed by Air India concerning flight crew being scheduled and operated despite lapses in licensing, rest, and recency requirements," the DGCA said in the order, as quoted by NDTV.

As per the order, violations were discovered during the post-transition review from ARMS to the CAE Flight and Crew Management System. ARMS (Air Route Management System) serves as the airline's software platform, facilitating a range of operational and management tasks.