DGCA warns Akasa Air over regulatory lapses involving lithium battery shipments

The inspection revealed violations of regulatory provisions related to the carriage of batteries on board, reported Hindustan Times.

According to the aviation regulator, the airline allowed electronic devices containing lithium batteries without properly verifying the battery power.

It also accepted shipments of lithium batteries that exceeded permissible weight limits for passenger aircraft.

The DGCA also noted that required shipper details and contact information were not recorded.

In a letter dated January 9, the DGCA highlighted these violations, stating they breached provisions under the Aircraft (Carriage of Dangerous Goods) Rules, 2003.

The letter warned the airline to ensure stricter compliance with regulations to avoid similar lapses in the future.

The DGCA directed Akasa Air, operated by SNV Aviation Private Limited, to conduct internal audits across all cargo acceptance and handling facilities. “...considering the corrective action taken and gravity of noncompliance of mandatory requirements, M/s SNV Aviation Private Limited is, hereby warned to be more vigilant with respect to the compliances of applicable regulatory provisions for carriage of dangerous goods by air so that such lapses/violations don’t occur in future and to submit the report to DGCA after carrying out internal audits at all cargo acceptance and handling facilities in respect of the compliances of regulations within 30 days of the receipt of the warning letter,” the letter stated.

The airline submitted an action taken report via email on December 20 and 23, outlining corrective measures such as issuing circulars and caution letters to its cargo acceptance staff.

When approached for comments, an Akasa Air spokesperson declined to respond, the report said.

This warning comes amidst a series of regulatory actions against the airline.

Earlier this month, the DGCA revoked the Line Training Captain approval for one of Akasa Air's pilots due to concerns regarding a passenger aircraft landing in March 2024.

In December, the DGCA suspended the airline’s director of operations and director of training for six months, citing lapses in pilot training.

In October 2024, the regulator imposed a Rs 30 lakh fine on the airline for inadequate training of its crew members.