InterGlobe Aviation 's IndiGo faces a confirmed penalty of ₹40.00 lakh after the DGCA appellate authority rejected the airline's appeal against regulatory sanctions on two senior executives. The decision reinforces the aviation regulator's stance on pilot training compliance standards.

Appellate Authority Upholds Original Penalty

The DGCA Appellate Authority dismissed IndiGo's appeal through an order dated January 7, reinstating the penalties imposed on the airline's senior management. The decision affects two key positions within the company's operational hierarchy.

Background of Regulatory Action

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation originally imposed the penalties in September last year for the airline's alleged failure to use qualified simulators for pilot training at Category C aerodromes. These airports typically present operational challenges that require pilots to undergo additional specialized training to ensure safe flight operations.

Category C airports generally have specific operational requirements that differentiate them from standard airports, necessitating enhanced pilot preparation and training protocols. The regulatory framework mandates that airlines use appropriately qualified simulators to prepare pilots for these challenging operational environments.

Company Response and Legal Process

IndiGo had initially contested the DGCA's decision, filing an appeal with the appropriate appellate authority in October last year. The company informed stock exchanges about its intention to challenge the penalty order through proper legal channels. However, the appellate authority's recent decision has definitively resolved the matter in favor of the regulator.

InterGlobe Aviation confirmed the outcome in its filing to the BSE, stating that "the matter has been disposed of by reinstating the penalty of ₹20.00 lakh each on the Director Flight Operations and Director Training of the company."

Market Impact

Following the announcement, IndiGo shares declined on the BSE, reflecting investor sentiment regarding the regulatory outcome.

The penalty confirmation underscores the aviation regulator's commitment to maintaining strict compliance standards for pilot training protocols, particularly for operations at airports with enhanced operational requirements.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Appellate Authority has rejected interglobe aviation 's appeal against regulatory penalties, reinstating a ₹2 million fine on the airline's directors for training compliance violations.

Regulatory Action Details

The penalty was imposed on IndiGo directors for failing to use proper simulators in pilot training programs, representing a significant breach of aviation safety protocols. The DGCA Appellate Authority's decision to reject the company's appeal reinforces the regulator's commitment to maintaining stringent training standards in the aviation industry.

Training Compliance Requirements

The violation centers on the airline's failure to adhere to prescribed simulator training protocols for pilot certification and ongoing training programs. Proper simulator training is a critical component of aviation safety standards, ensuring pilots receive adequate preparation for various flight scenarios and emergency situations.

Regulatory Enforcement

The DGCA Appellate Authority's decision to uphold the original penalty demonstrates the regulator's unwavering stance on aviation safety compliance. This enforcement action serves as a reminder to all aviation operators about the importance of adhering to established training protocols and safety standards.

The reinstatement of the fine against IndiGo directors highlights the personal accountability expected from aviation industry leadership in ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and maintaining the highest safety standards in pilot training programs.