DGCA Warns Akasa Over Lapses in Handling Dangerous Goods

15 Jan 2025 CW Team

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a warning letter to Akasa Air for significant lapses in the carriage of dangerous goods, identified during the airline's annual surveillance inspection at Ahmedabad on December 12, 2024.

The inspection revealed multiple non-compliances, including the acceptance of electronic devices with lithium batteries without verifying battery power, shipments exceeding permissible weight limits for passenger aircraft, and incomplete documentation of shipper details and contacts.

While Akasa's comments on the DGCA's action are awaited, the airline admitted to the violations in an action-taken report submitted on December 20 and 23. According to the DGCA, Akasa has implemented corrective measures, such as issuing circulars to trade partners and staff to ensure compliance with regulations and cautioning cargo acceptance staff.

The DGCA has warned Akasa to maintain stricter vigilance to prevent future violations and directed the airline to conduct internal audits across all cargo acceptance and handling facilities. A detailed compliance report is to be submitted to the regulator within 30 days.

(ET)

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