India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will undergo a US FAA safety oversight evaluation in November. This comes after a challenging year for Indian aviation, marked by accidents and system failures. A poor assessment could impact Indian carriers' US operations and attract further scrutiny.
Cochin International Airport is considering using its CSR funds to compensate homeowners whose houses are damaged by low-flying aircraft, following repeated incidents near the airport. The DGCA will investigate.
India's aviation regulator DGCA has mandated Ebola preparedness protocols for airlines flying from Uganda and DRC. Measures include health screening, onboard isolation, and self-declaration forms for passengers.
An IndiGo flight at Chandigarh airport was evacuated after a power bank reportedly caught fire, injuring six passengers. The incident highlights DGCA's ban on using power banks for charging during flights, emphasizing they must be in hand baggage only. Passengers are instructed to report any device emitting heat or smoke.
India is set to relaunch seaplane services with SkyHop Aviation receiving its operator's license. The company will initially connect five Lakshadweep islands and the mainland using a 19-seater aircraft. This initiative, supported by government incentives and a modified De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter, aims to improve regional connectivity and tourism.
India has introduced stricter regulations for foreign airlines, granting the DGCA power to revoke or suspend authorizations for safety lapses. Foreign carriers must now appoint local representatives, establish passenger grievance redressal mechanisms, and maintain complaints databases. The rules come as Indian carriers IndiGo and Air India expand, reducing reliance on foreign airlines.
CBI arrested the DGCA's deputy director general of the airworthiness directorate and a private company representative in New Delhi on Sunday. The bribery case involves Rs 2.5 lakhs, with searches revealing seizure of Rs 37 lakhs cash, gold and silver coins, and digital devices at four locations.
