Action after DGCA probe in which ground staff found “lacking” in passenger handling
Action after DGCA probe in which ground staff found “lacking” in passenger handling
In a first for any airline in the country, the DGCA earlier this month imposed a fine of Rs 5 lakh on IndiGo for refusing to board a special needs child at the Ranchi airport on the grounds that it poses a security risk. was.
The DGCA has observed that IndiGo Ground staff was “lacking” and lacking sensitivity in handling a child with special needs.
“More compassionate behavior would have eased the nerves, calmed the child and eliminated the need to deny boarding to passengers,” DGCA Director General Arun Kumar said in a press statement. These findings are based on a fact-finding exercise conducted by a three-member committee constituted by the DGCA, which visited the Ranchi airport, met the family members of the child with special needs, an eyewitness and also met IndiGo officials .
This is the first time the regulator has fined an airline Aircraft Amendment Act, 2020 It empowered to impose fine without approaching the civil court.
The DGCA has also said that it will also amend the civil aviation requirement on “Carriage by Air – Persons with Disabilities or Reduced Mobility” to ensure written consultation with the airport doctor on the health status of the passenger as well as opinion. Will do On allowing such passenger on board before the pilot-in-command has denied boarding.
The regulator also wants airlines to rethink their standard operating procedures and training procedures for dealing with people with disabilities.