Directorate General of Civil Aviation is on a surprise audit spree issuing show-cause notices to airlines lagging in regulatory compliances. Just after DGCA cracked a whip on Air India Express, SpiceJet and Jharkhand’s flight training school – Alchemist Aviation, the regulator has sent a show cause notice to Akasa Air for several regulatory lapses observed during a spot audit conducted in May 2024.

The spot audit revealed that practical training sessions conducted by the airline were done without mandated requisite regulatory approvals.

In response, DGCA has asked Akasa Air to respond within a week’s time.

Flight training schools and airlines have a huge responsibility to train and develop capable pilots to ensure the safety and security not just for the pilot’s life but the lives of millions of passengers that the pilot will be flying in the course of duty. However, by the looks of things, of lately, airlines as well as FTO’s have been taking things lightly resulting in serious accidents and loss of life. The recent accident of Cessna 152 in Jharkhand claiming the life of two is a staring example of lapses in training modules and lack of regulatory compliances.

Taking note of this, DGCA has emphasised that it will take all necessary action to enforce regulatory compliance.

In response to the show cause notice, Akasa Air has released a statement clarifying the receipt of show cause notice from DGCA in relation to the audit conducted in May. “We will submit a response as per the protocol,” Akasa Air spokesperson said. “Safety is of utmost importance, and we continuously strive to pursue the highest standards of safety,” the airline further clarified its stand.

Akasa Air recently completed its successful two years of domestic operations and recently started international operations. The airline is building its routes and capabilities swiftly rising higher in terms of market share and airline orders. However, security lapses in terms of training will put a dent on the airline’s path to glory.