JOIN US4 airlines face music for violating DGCA norms
The DGCA had issued orders not to operate flights to Goa during certain hours of the day when ground navigational aids at Dabolim airport are not operational due to repair work.
Official sources said the DGCA was in the process of sending notices to Kingfisher Airlines, GoAir, JetLite and Jet Airways for having operated flights during “curfew hours” (from 9 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 7 pm).
In line with the DGCA action, the Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA), one of the two Air India pilots’ unions, has also asked its members not to operate flights to Goa during this period when the only way to land would be to carry out “blind landings” or landings without navigational aids.
The DGCA had issued a NOTAM (notice to airmen) about a week ago advising airlines not to operate flights during these hours when the ground-based radar system PAPI (precision approach path indicator, aviation jargon for runway lights) is non-functional.
“Despite our warnings to respect the curfew hours, some airlines have violated this directive. They will have to pay for it,” Director -General of Civil Aviation E K Bharat Bhushan said.
Bhushan said the NOTAM had warned all airlines not to operate flights of jet aircraft (not Jet Airways) during this period due to shutting down of the crucial navigational aids.
He said he had a meeting with the heads of operations of all airlines “and told them that these curfew hours should be respected entirely. I had also warned them that in case of any violation, we will come down heavily on the operators as well as the flying crew.”
Asked about the ICPA directive to its members, Bhushan said: “If any association of pilots has said it is going to go by the curfew, it suits us. This is what we expect them to do.”
The latest incident also highlights the increasing tensions between the Navy, Airports Authority of India and the airlines at one of the most chaotic airports in the country that is supposed to serve the needs of a premier tourist destination.
Adequate notice given: Navy
Indian Navy officials on Tuesday said adequate notice was given to airlines to reschedule flights affected by the runway repairs at Dabolim airport, and much of the work was being carried out during military flying hours, DHNS reports Panaji.