DELHI- The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) under the Civil Aviation Ministry has levied a fine of ₹1.2 crore on IndiGo (6E) in connection to an incident where passengers were observed having food on the tarmac at Mumbai Airport (BOM), as reported by PTI on Wednesday.
Additionally, Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), the operator of Mumbai airport, received a penalty of ₹60 lakh based on the directives issued by the BCAS.
IndiGo Fined 1.2 Crore
On Tuesday, the ministry issued a show cause notice to both IndiGo airline and Mumbai International Airport following the circulation of a viral video depicting passengers dining on the airport’s tarmac.
The video, shared by a social media user, revealed IndiGo Goa-Delhi passengers having dinner in close proximity to an IndiGo plane.
The footage quickly gained widespread attention, showing individuals seated on the airport tarmac, engaged in eating, sharing food, using mobile phones, and relaxing right beside the IndiGo aircraft.
Following the incident, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai released a statement explaining that the diversion of Indigo 6E 2195 (Goa to Delhi) occurred due to unfavorable weather conditions.
The statement, shared by ANI, mentioned that as the flight had already experienced significant delays in Goa, passengers were discontented and disembarked swiftly as soon as the step ladder was connected.
The airport operators, in collaboration with CISF QRT, established a safety zone around the passengers since they refused to board the airline coach and proceed to the Terminal Building.
The passengers remained under the vigilant supervision of airline authorities and security until further measures were taken.
Notice to Airline
Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia held a midnight meeting with ministry officials to address the situation, according to an official statement.
Subsequently, the Bureau of Civil Aviation and Security issued a notice to IndiGo and the airport on Tuesday.
The notice to IndiGo was related to Rule 51 of the Aircraft (Security) Rules, 2023, citing the failure to adhere to aviation security procedures with respect to Flight 6E2195, which was diverted to Mumbai on January 14.
“Neither IndiGo nor Mumbai International Airport took proactive measures to anticipate the situation and make the necessary arrangements for passenger facilitation at the airport,” stated an official familiar with the situation.
Additionally, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has reportedly imposed a fine of ₹30 lakh on Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) in connection with the incident, as reported by PTI.
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