DELHI- Akasa Air (QP) pilots have escalated concerns to the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) regarding alleged safety violations and management intimidation tactics.
The pilots report receiving threatening communications about disciplinary consequences for reporting sick during the December 25 – January 1 holiday period.
Akasa Air Pilots DGCA Letter
The pilots’ letter to DGCA details Captain Gracious Flyod’s directive pressuring unwell pilots to continue flying duties. This mandate directly contradicts established aviation safety protocols and endangers both crew and passenger safety.
DGCA-approved TRI Captain Sameer Patel has revealed that Captain Flyod plans legal action against DGCA Chief FOI Captain Swetha Singh. The conflict stems from allegations that Captain Singh deliberately delayed operational approvals for Akasa Air and targeted its management.
A closed-door meeting on December 19, 2024, exposed further concerning developments. Captain Patel disclosed that Captain Flyod instructed training staff to increase trainee failure rates, reportedly retaliating against a December 11 DGCA complaint.
The pilots’ petition seeks immediate intervention against multiple senior officials, including Captains Flyod, Kunal Khajuria, Suraj Bhatia, Sameer Patel, Cedric Dsilva, Anderson Dhramaraj, Swetlena, and Neomi Dsilva. The complaint has also been forwarded to major media outlets and the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
The Fleet Office email confirms the scrutiny policy, stating that sick reports during festive days “will be subject to scrutiny and may undergo further investigation, with appropriate actions taken if necessary.” This announcement coincides with increased holiday travel when thousands of passengers rely on reliable air service.
These developments follow earlier training-related concerns raised by Akasa pilots with the Ministry of Civil Aviation was first reported by Aviation A2Z, highlighting systemic issues within the airline’s operational structure. The pilots emphasize that these practices jeopardize India’s aviation safety standards and require urgent regulatory intervention.
The letter concludes with a formal request for the DGCA to investigate these allegations thoroughly, particularly focusing on the safety implications of pressuring unwell pilots to fly and the apparent misuse of training procedures for retaliatory purposes.
Akasa Denies Allegations
However, the airline has denied these December 21, 2024 allegations as baseless, and in a message to Aviation A2Z, the airline noted:
A letter, shared on the internet on December 21st 2024, amongst other things, falsely alleges that a senior executive from Akasa Air expressed an intention to pursue legal action against a senior and respected official of the DGCA.
Akasa Air Spokesperson
These claims are entirely baseless and untrue. The letter appears to be a malicious attempt to tarnish Akasa Air’s image and reputation.
Akasa Air works very closely with the DGCA and MoCA and has been a direct beneficiary of their transparent and progressive policies and regulations. We hold these institutions in the highest regard and remain deeply grateful for their unwavering guidance and support.
At Akasa Air, our primary focus is to continue to build an airline that serves the nation, underpinned by our commitment to safety, employee centricity and service excellence.
Airline Email to Pilots
Akasa Air’s Fleet Office has implemented stricter oversight of pilot sick leave during the upcoming holiday season. The airline management released an internal communication addressing anticipated staff absences between December 25 and January 1.
The airline expects high passenger volumes during this period as travelers plan family reunions. The Fleet Office emphasizes maintaining reliable service and minimizing schedule disruptions during peak travel days.
Management has noted historical patterns showing increased sick leave reports during festive periods. The new directive warns staff that sick leave requests during the specified holiday window will face enhanced scrutiny and potential investigation.
The Fleet Office communication implies possible disciplinary measures, stating “appropriate actions” may follow investigations of sick reports. This policy aims to ensure continuous service during the holiday rush while maintaining operational efficiency.
The memo concludes by urging staff cooperation to deliver exceptional service throughout the festive period.
Feature Image by BFI Watch | X
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