In a move that underscores the importance of passenger care and adherence to regulations, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken action against Air India for significant delays in two of its international flights, citing inadequate attention to passenger comfort.
The DGCA highlighted the prolonged delays experienced by passengers aboard AI 183 from Delhi to San Francisco on May 30 and AI 179 from Mumbai to San Francisco on May 24. Notably, these delays were compounded by discomfort caused by insufficient cabin cooling, adding to the passengers’ inconvenience.
This is not an isolated incident, as the regulator has observed a pattern of disregard for passenger welfare by Air India, in contravention of established norms. The airline’s recurrent failure to meet DGCA guidelines regarding passenger care during denied boarding, flight cancellations, and delays has prompted this show cause notice.
Expressing concern over these incidents, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has intervened, prompting the DGCA to take decisive action. Air India is now required to justify its actions and explain why regulatory penalties should not be imposed for these breaches.