Akasa Air has urged the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to exempt the airline from deploying Category II/III (CAT II/III) compliant aircraft at Bengaluru and Kolkata airports for the upcoming winter schedule. The airline warned that failure to secure this exemption could result in operational disruptions, further exacerbating challenges already posed by its ongoing pilot shortage.
The regulatory requirement mandates airlines to deploy CAT II/III-compliant aircraft during winter to ensure smooth operations under low-visibility conditions, a common occurrence at Bengaluru and Kolkata airports during the season. Akasa has expressed difficulty in meeting this requirement due to limited availability of such aircraft in its fleet and the strain on its resources caused by pilot attrition.
The airline’s challenges have been compounded by the sudden resignation of a significant number of pilots trained for its Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. This unexpected exodus has disrupted Akasa’s operational stability, forcing the airline to seek measures to prevent further strain on its schedule.
Akasa emphasized that its request for exemption is aimed at maintaining service continuity and minimizing passenger inconvenience during the critical winter period. The airline also assured that it is working towards meeting the compliance requirements in the near future but needs immediate relief to stabilize its operations.
In a warning to the DGCA, Akasa highlighted that the absence of flexibility could lead to widespread disruptions, affecting both passenger confidence and airport operations. This situation underscores the broader challenges faced by newer airlines in adhering to stringent regulatory requirements while navigating operational hurdles.
As Akasa strives to establish itself in India’s competitive aviation market, its plea for regulatory leniency reflects the delicate balance between compliance and operational feasibility, especially for a growing airline grappling with unforeseen challenges. The DGCA’s response will play a pivotal role in determining Akasa’s ability to navigate this critical phase and ensure a smoother operational trajectory.