IndiGo and Mumbai Airport Slapped With Hefty Fines After Tarmac Incident

Mumbai, 18th January 2024: IndiGo and Mumbai Airport operator MIAL find themselves in hot water as the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security issues substantial fines following an incident where passengers were found having food on the tarmac. The regulatory body imposed a Rs 1.20 crore penalty on IndiGo and a Rs 90 lakh fine on MIAL, highlighting serious lapses in safety protocols.

The controversy stems from the diversion of IndiGo flight 6E2195, en route from Goa to Delhi, to Mumbai on January 14. Passengers were found having food on the tarmac, prompting concerns over safety and operational procedures.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) took swift action, investigating the incident and subsequently issuing fines to IndiGo and MIAL. The penalties were justified based on their failure to adhere to safety requirements and a lack of proactive measures in handling the situation.

IndiGo’s response drew specific criticism for its perceived failure to take proactive measures. The DGCA raised concerns about the airline’s decision to assign the aircraft to a remote bay instead of a contact stand. This decision limited passengers’ access to basic amenities and resulted in a suboptimal experience for those on board.

The fines levied on IndiGo and MIAL are substantial, with IndiGo facing a penalty of Rs 1.20 crore and MIAL receiving a Rs 90 lakh fine. These fines underscore the severity of the lapses identified by the DGCA and emphasize the importance of stringent adherence to safety protocols in aviation.

In addition to the penalties imposed on IndiGo and MIAL, Air India and SpiceJet were also fined Rs 30 lakh each for rostering issues. Notices were further issued to Air India and SpiceJet for non-compliance with pilot rostering instructions, indicating a broader scrutiny of compliance within the aviation sector.