The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has imposed a fine of Rs 10 lakh on Air India for denying boarding to passengers holding valid tickets, according to news reports.
The aviation watchdog in a statement said, “After going through AI submissions, as part of enforcement action, the competent authority has levied a penalty of Rs 10 lakh. In addition, the airline has been advised to immediately put the systems in place to resolve the issue failing which further action shall be taken by DGCA.”
The development comes after several reports of passengers being denied boarding by a slew of airlines despite being in possession of valid tickets and showing up on time.
The regulator said that despite guidelines on the same being in place, a few airlines were not allowing flyers to board aircraft. The DGCA also conducted a series of inspections at airports in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi.
“In the case of Air India, where the regulation is not being followed, a show cause notice was issued to the airline and also a personal hearing was afforded. It appears that the airline does not have a policy in this regard and is not paying any compensation to hapless passengers, whose numbers can be anybody’s guess,” the DGCA said.
New DGCA guidelines
The DGCA has mentioned that it is laying down guidelines for denying boarding to a passenger despite having a valid ticket, however, if an airline is able to arrange an alternative flight for the said passenger within an hour, no compensation is to be paid.
If the airline is able to provide the alternative flight within the next 24 hours, a compensation up to Rs 10,000 is prescribed, the regulator said, adding that for anything beyond 24 hours, a compensation up to Rs 20,000 is laid down.