Air India, SpiceJet get notices over Non-CAT III compliant pilots
AVIATION & AIRPORTS

Air India, SpiceJet get notices over Non-CAT III compliant pilots

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a show cause notice to both Air India and SpiceJet regarding the rostering of non-CAT III compliant pilots. The issuance of the notice followed the diversion of over 50 flights bound for Delhi airport due to low visibility on December 24-25 and December 27-28, as reported by the DGCA.

A senior official from the DGCA confirmed that the notice was prompted by the discovery that a significant number of flight diversions at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi were attributed to the deployment of pilots not compliant with CAT III standards. These pilots lacked the necessary training to operate flights during conditions of low visibility, such as fog.

The official mentioned that the airlines in question have been given a fifteen-day period to respond to the notice. CAT III, referring to a type of Instrument Landing System enabling landings in adverse weather like fog, snow, and rain, was highlighted as a crucial aspect in ensuring safe operations during challenging weather conditions. The civil aviation ministry is actively monitoring the fog situation on a daily basis.

Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, in a recent statement, emphasised the ministry's coordination with airports and airlines to address the fog-related challenges. Describing the fog issue as a "transitory phenomenon," Minister Scindia acknowledged the unprecedented density of fog this year. Dense fog and low visibility have affected the northern and northeastern parts of the country amid harsh winter conditions.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts a maximum temperature of around 15 degrees in the national capital, with an expected decrease in fog conditions over the next two days. However, the IMD also anticipates the persistence of a cold wave in Delhi and the National Capital Region for the next 2-3 days.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a show cause notice to both Air India and SpiceJet regarding the rostering of non-CAT III compliant pilots. The issuance of the notice followed the diversion of over 50 flights bound for Delhi airport due to low visibility on December 24-25 and December 27-28, as reported by the DGCA. A senior official from the DGCA confirmed that the notice was prompted by the discovery that a significant number of flight diversions at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi were attributed to the deployment of pilots not compliant with CAT III standards. These pilots lacked the necessary training to operate flights during conditions of low visibility, such as fog. The official mentioned that the airlines in question have been given a fifteen-day period to respond to the notice. CAT III, referring to a type of Instrument Landing System enabling landings in adverse weather like fog, snow, and rain, was highlighted as a crucial aspect in ensuring safe operations during challenging weather conditions. The civil aviation ministry is actively monitoring the fog situation on a daily basis. Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, in a recent statement, emphasised the ministry's coordination with airports and airlines to address the fog-related challenges. Describing the fog issue as a transitory phenomenon, Minister Scindia acknowledged the unprecedented density of fog this year. Dense fog and low visibility have affected the northern and northeastern parts of the country amid harsh winter conditions. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts a maximum temperature of around 15 degrees in the national capital, with an expected decrease in fog conditions over the next two days. However, the IMD also anticipates the persistence of a cold wave in Delhi and the National Capital Region for the next 2-3 days.

Next Story
Equipment

Putzmeister Unveils 1405 D Classic Concrete Pump

Putzmeister, a global leader in concrete equipment with over 65 years of expertise, has launched its latest innovation—the Stationary Concrete Pump BSA 1405 D Classic—tailored specifically for the demanding conditions of Indian construction sites.Described as “performance simplified,” the 1405 D Classic is built to handle real-world challenges while offering ease of operation, robust design, and consistent results across a wide range of applications including high-rise buildings and infrastructure development. The pump boasts a 13 per cent increase in hydraulic capacity, 6 per cent mor..

Next Story
Real Estate

Godrej Buys 16-Acre Plot in Pune's Upper Kharadi

Godrej Properties Ltd. (GPL), one of India’s top real estate developers, has acquired a 16-acre land parcel in Upper Kharadi, Pune, marking its second land deal in the Kharadi–Wagholi corridor this month. The cumulative revenue potential from both projects in the area is now estimated at approximately Rs 73 billion.The newly acquired land will be developed into a premium residential and high-street retail project with a developable area of roughly 2.5 million square feet. This latest development alone is expected to generate around Rs 31 billion in revenue.Strategically positioned in the K..

Next Story
Real Estate

Blackstone Acquires South City Mall for Rs 32.5 Bn

ANAROCK Group, one of India’s foremost independent real estate services firms, has successfully advised Blackstone on its acquisition of South City Mall in Kolkata for a transaction value of Rs 32.5 billion. ANAROCK served as the sole transaction advisor for the landmark deal.South City Mall is widely regarded as a premier retail destination in East India. Spanning more than one million square feet, it houses over 150 international and Indian brands. With an average annual turnover exceeding Rs 18 billion, the mall features the region’s largest food court, a multi-level parking facility fo..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?