Air India has objected to the fine of Rs 1.1 crore, imposed for safety violations by the country's aviation regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The aviation watchdog slapped a fine of the said amount on Air India for flouting rules with respect to flights operated on certain long and riskier routes.

"We disagree with the order issued by the DGCA. The issues raised were thoroughly examined by Air India along with external experts concluding that there was no compromise on safety, whatsoever. We are studying the order in detail and will review the options available to us, including our right to appeal as well as taking it up with the regulator," the airline said in a statement.

The aviation regulator said that the action was taken after a voluntary safety report from an Air India employee, alleging safety violations by the airline on some of the long-range, terrain-critical routes.

"Pursuant to the receipt of a voluntary safety report from an airline employee alleging safety violations of flights operated by M/s Air India on certain long range terrain critical routes, DGCA conducted a comprehensive investigation into the alleged violations,” the regulator said in a statement.

“Since the investigation prima facie revealed non-compliance by the airline, a Show Cause Notice was issued to the Accountable Manager of Air India Limited. The response to the Show Cause Notice was duly examined with respect to the laid down stipulations under the relevant statutory provisions and the performance limits stipulated in critical documentations laid down by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM),” the DGCA statement read.

"Since the said operations of the leased aircraft were not in line with regulatory/OEM performance limits, DGCA has initiated enforcement action and imposed a penalty of Rs. 1.10 crore on M/s Air India," the statement further read.

Source: India Today