DGCA warns Akasa Air to be more cautious in handling dangerous goods

New Delhi| DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation), the monitoring body formed for aviation security, has directed Akasa Air to conduct internal audit in all its cargo handling facilities. Along with this, the airline has also been warned to be more cautious in the handling of dangerous goods after cases of defects have come to light.
This is the latest in a series of regulatory warnings issued to an airline less than two years old. In the last few weeks, DGCA has taken action against the airline for various cases. Sources told PTI that DGCA had found flaws in the handling of lithium batteries following an investigation conducted on December 12 in Ahmedabad. After this a warning letter was issued to Akasa Air.
He said that during the monitoring inspection, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) detected “significant irregularities” on the part of the airline. It also involved accepting electronic devices with lithium batteries without checking or verifying battery power. Among other flaws, the airline was found to be accepting consignments of lithium batteries weighing more than the approved limit for carriage in passenger aircraft, sources said. There was no immediate comment from Akasa Air on the DGCA’s January 9 warning letter.
Instructions issued to agents and employees after DGS action
According to sources, the airline has taken reform steps after the regulator identified the shortcomings. For this, instructions have been issued to cargo agents and employees. Besides, a letter has also been issued to the cargo acceptance employees and a warning has been given. Those with knowledge of the matter said that in view of the corrective action and seriousness of non-compliance, DGCA has advised Akash Air to be more alert towards compliance for carriage of dangerous goods by air and ensure that these are not violated in future.
Instructions to conduct internal audit on cargo acceptance and handling facilities
Sources said the regulator has asked Akash Air to conduct an internal audit on all its cargo acceptance and handling facilities regarding compliance within 30 days of receiving the warning. Under DGCA norms, certain goods are classified as dangerous goods and require additional compliance to ensure their safe transport.
Recently, last month the DGCA has ordered the suspension of two of its senior officers – the Director of Operations and the Director of Training – for six months for alleged lapses in pilot training. Earlier this month, the regulator had released one of its pilots from training due to a lapse in landing. In October 2024, DGCA fined Akasa Air Rs 10 lakh for failing to pay timely compensation to some passengers denied boarding at Bangalore airport in September.