Special Correspondent
New Delhi : In a major development following the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad on June 12 that claimed the lives of over 270 passengers, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has recommended the immediate suspension of three senior officials of Air India. A preliminary investigation has revealed gross violations of aviation safety protocols and administrative negligence, prompting the regulatory authority to initiate stringent action.
According to DGCA sources, the three officials under scrutiny are Divisional Vice President Chuda Singh, Chief Manager of Crew Scheduling Pinky Mittal, and Planning Officer Payal Arora. The inquiry found serious lapses in crew scheduling and roster planning under their supervision. On the day of the incident, the crew pairing was reportedly done in violation of established norms, and pilots were assigned duties without fulfilling the mandatory flying experience and licensing requirements. The report suggests that these irregularities may have contributed to crew fatigue, which is being considered a potential factor in the crash.
In an order issued on June 20, DGCA directed Air India to immediately relieve these officers from their current positions and reassign them to non-operational roles. Furthermore, the airline has been instructed to initiate formal disciplinary proceedings and submit a detailed report on the actions taken within ten days. The regulatory body also made it clear that the suspended officials should not be engaged in any future assignments related to flight safety, licensing, or crew compliance until further notice.
Air India, in a formal statement, acknowledged the DGCA’s directive and confirmed that all three officers have been relieved of their duties with immediate effect.
DGCA has also issued a stern warning to all airlines, stating that any future violations related to crew scheduling, licensing, or operational protocols will attract strict penalties. These may include financial penalties, suspension of operational licenses, or even revocation of permits.
This decisive action by the DGCA highlights the growing emphasis on aviation safety and accountability, especially in the aftermath of a tragedy that has shaken the civil aviation sector. The final investigation report is expected to provide further insights into the systemic failures that may have contributed to one of the deadliest aviation accidents in recent times.
