Akasa Air responds to DGCA show-cause notice

Akasa Air faces notice: Akasa Air has acknowledged receiving a show-cause notice from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) following an audit conducted in May 2024.

The airline has been cited for various regulatory breaches, including non-compliance with Rule 140C of The Aircraft Rules 1937, which mandates carrying a route guide for scheduled air transport services.

In response to the notice, an Akasa Air spokesperson stessed the airline’s focus on safety.

“Akasa Air is in receipt of a notice from the DGCA concerning the recent audit. We will respond according to protocol. Safety is of utmost importance, and we continuously strive to pursue the highest standards of safety,” the spokesperson said.

Training issues uncovered

The DGCA’s audit also identified issues with Akasa’s practical training sessions, which were conducted without necessary regulatory approvals, raising concerns about the airline’s training standards and operational readiness.

The DGCA has requested a detailed explanation from Akasa within seven days.

Akasa Air, which began international operations in March, has faced challenges in the past year, including a high rate of pilot turnover. 

Despite resolving these issues, the airline’s market share stood at 4.5 per cent at the end of the March quarter, trailing behind major competitors like IndiGo, SpiceJet, Vistara, and Air India.