New Delhi: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has levied a total penalty of Rs 40 lakh on IndiGo Airlines after finding that the carrier conducted pilot training on simulators that were not qualified for operations at critical airports, including Calicut, Leh, and Kathmandu.

Who was penalised?

According to official orders, two separate fines of Rs 20 lakh each were imposed: one on IndiGo’s Director of Training and another on its Director of Flight Operations (DFO). The penalties were for non-compliance with the DGCA’s Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) and directions under Rule 133A of the Aircraft Rules, 1937.

What did the investigation reveal?

The DGCA investigation, based on IndiGo’s training records and email responses from 24 July to 31 July 2025, found that simulator training for approximately 1,700 pilots, including Captains and First Officers, was carried out using Full Flight Simulators (FFS) that were not approved or qualified for Category C airports.

Category C airports, such as Calicut, Leh, and Kathmandu, are designated critical due to challenging terrain, weather, and approach conditions. They require special simulator training on devices specifically certified for such operations.

Which simulators were involved?

The DGCA order listed 20 simulators across training facilities in Chennai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Greater Noida, Gurugram, and Hyderabad. These simulators belong to organisations including CSTPL, FSTC, ACAT, and Airbus. The regulator found the devices “Not qualified for Calicut and/or Leh” despite being used for relevant training sessions.

What did the DGCA say in its orders?

Following the findings, a Show Cause Notice was issued to IndiGo’s Director of Training on 11 August 2025, seeking an explanation for the violations. IndiGo’s response, submitted on 22 August 2025, was deemed unsatisfactory.

The DGCA order stated: “You were responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable Civil Aviation Requirements. However, it has been observed that you have failed to ensure the use of appropriately qualified simulators for training related to Class III (critical) airports, in violation of the CAR provisions.”

What penalties were imposed?

Under Rule 162 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, and according to Schedule VI-B (Severity Level 5), the DGCA imposed a Rs 20 lakh penalty on each of the two responsible post holders. Separate demand notices were issued directing them to deposit the penalties in the Bharatkosh government account within 30 days.

Can IndiGo appeal the decision?

The notices also mention that IndiGo may appeal the decision within 30 days by paying a statutory fee of Rs 1,000 to the Joint Director General of Civil Aviation, under Rule 3B of the Aircraft Rules, 1937 and Section 33(1) of the Bharatiya Vayu Yan Adhiniyam, 2024.

The DGCA has instructed IndiGo to comply with the penalty and report payment confirmation within the stipulated period, warning that non-compliance could result in further enforcement measures.