DGCA Fines IndiGo Rs 40 Lakh for Pilot Training Lapses; Air India Faces Safety Scrutiny Over RAT Issue
New Delhi, 12th October 2025: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has imposed a total fine of Rs 40 lakh on IndiGo Airlines for alleged violations in pilot training procedures. The aviation regulator found that the airline conducted training sessions for its pilots using flight simulators not qualified for ‘C’ category airports, including Calicut, Leh, and Kathmandu — airports known for challenging terrain and weather conditions.
Two IndiGo Directors Penalized
According to the DGCA order, separate penalties of Rs 20 lakh each have been imposed on IndiGo’s Director of Training and Director of Flight Operations (DFO) for failing to comply with Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) and other directives under Rule 133A of the Aircraft Rules, 1937.
The probe, conducted between July 24 and July 31, 2025, examined IndiGo’s internal training records and email exchanges. It revealed that simulator training for around 1,700 pilots, including captains and first officers, was carried out on Full Flight Simulators (FFS) that were not approved for handling complex airport environments.
Unsuitable Simulators Used at Multiple Centres
The DGCA identified 20 simulators located across training facilities in Chennai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Greater Noida, Gurugram, and Hyderabad, operated by organizations such as CSTPL, FSTC, ACAT, and Airbus. These simulators, while functional for general training, were found unsuitable for Calicut and Leh operations, both of which require specialized simulation due to their topographical and weather-related challenges.
Following the findings, DGCA issued a show-cause notice to IndiGo’s Director of Training on August 11, 2025. The airline’s response, submitted on August 22, was deemed unsatisfactory, prompting the regulator to impose the monetary penalties.
What Is a Flight Simulator?
A flight simulator is an advanced device or software system that replicates real-world flying conditions to help pilots train safely on aircraft controls, emergency procedures, and challenging flight situations. It allows simulation of extreme weather, engine failure, or tactical operations such as paratrooping and disaster relief missions.
Air India Under DGCA Scanner for Safety Checks
In a separate development, the DGCA has directed Air India to re-inspect the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) — an emergency power source — on all Boeing 787 aircraft where power conditioning modules were recently replaced. The regulator has also sought a detailed report from Boeing on the preventive safety measures taken following recent incidents of uncommanded RAT deployment.
These directives follow two incidents involving Air India’s 787 Dreamliner fleet, prompting safety concerns from the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP). The pilots’ association has urged the Civil Aviation Ministry to temporarily ground Air India’s 787 fleet and conduct a comprehensive safety audit, citing recurring electrical and maintenance issues.
The twin developments mark a significant moment in India’s aviation sector, underscoring the DGCA’s stricter stance on training compliance and flight safety standards.
