IndiGo Slapped With ₹1.2 Crore Fine Over Viral Video Showing Passengers Eating on Tarmac

IndiGo has been fined Rs 1.2 million by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) for a viral video of passengers feasting on the tarmac while waiting for a delayed flight. The DGCA issued a Rs 30 lakh fine to Mumbai Airport for the infraction after reviewing the video.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the country’s aviation regulator, took note of the video and ordered Mumbai Airport to pay Rs 30 lakh for the violation associated with the incident. IndiGo, on the other hand, has been directed to pay the Rs1.2-crore fine within 30 days, making it one of the most substantial penalties imposed on an airline in recent times.

The DGCA referred to the incident as a “violation of apron discipline” and highlighted the compromise on passenger and aircraft safety. The regulator pointed out that passengers on two IndiGo flights were on the apron for a considerable period at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai on January 15, which contradicts safety protocols outlined in Air Safety Circular 04 of 2007.

The DGCA stated, “The presence of passengers on the apron for a considerable period violates apron discipline as it jeopardizes the safety of the passengers and the aircraft.” Additionally, the response received from Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) on January 17 was deemed unsatisfactory, indicating a failure to adhere to safety requirements.

In response to the same incident, Mumbai Airport has been fined Rs 30 lakh for non-compliance with safety regulations. The DGCA emphasized the importance of maintaining safety standards, particularly those related to the movement of passengers on an active apron.

Moreover, the regulator imposed fines on Air India and SpiceJet for poor preparedness, leading to fog-related delays. Both airlines received fines of Rs 30 lakh each for violation and non-compliance of the Aircraft Rules, 1937. The DGCA highlighted that the airlines did not roster Category II/III and Low Visibility Takeoff (LVTO)-qualified pilots for some flights, leading to a breach of relevant regulations.

The winter fog delays this year took an unprecedented turn, with social media visuals showing passengers sitting on the tarmac, eating meals next to aircraft. The video that triggered the penalties showed weary passengers eating on the tarmac after their Goa-Delhi flight was diverted to Mumbai due to low visibility in Delhi.

IndiGo, in response, issued a statement acknowledging the incident and expressing apologies to customers. The airline assured us that it is investigating the matter and will take the necessary steps to prevent such instances in the future. The fines imposed on IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet underline the regulators’ commitment to upholding safety and operational standards within the aviation industry.