Akasa Air pilots have once again raised concerns with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) over alleged safety violations and management practices that they claim jeopardize both crew welfare and passenger safety. In a detailed letter submitted to the DGCA, the pilots accuse senior airline official Captain Gracious Flyod of pressuring unwell crew members to report for flying duties, a mandate that contravenes established aviation safety regulations and endangers lives.
The pilots’ allegations center on directives from Captain Flyod that they say compel individuals to prioritize operational requirements over health, undermining the critical “fit to fly” principle that is fundamental to aviation safety. This issue, they argue, not only violates DGCA protocols but also reflects a broader culture of intimidation within Akasa Air’s management.
Adding another layer to the controversy, DGCA-approved Type Rating Instructor (TRI) Captain Sameer Patel has revealed that Captain Flyod is planning to initiate legal action against DGCA Chief Flight Operations Inspector (FOI) Captain Swetha Singh. This dispute stems from allegations that Captain Singh deliberately delayed operational approvals for Akasa Air, which Patel claims was part of a targeted effort against the airline’s management.
The conflict between Akasa Air’s leadership and the DGCA has drawn significant attention within the aviation community, raising questions about both the airline’s governance and the regulator’s impartiality. Pilots have expressed concern that unresolved tensions and alleged mismanagement could adversely impact safety standards at a time when India’s aviation industry is experiencing rapid growth.
Industry experts are now urging the DGCA to take swift and transparent action to address the pilots’ concerns and ensure compliance with safety regulations. Many argue that any failure to act decisively could undermine public confidence in aviation safety and potentially set a dangerous precedent for other operators in the country.
As the controversy unfolds, stakeholders are closely watching for DGCA’s response and any measures taken to investigate and resolve the situation. The outcome will likely have far-reaching implications, not only for Akasa Air but also for the broader aviation sector in India.