The DGCA has imposed a fine of Rs 5 lakh on IndiGo for denying a specially abled child to board at Ranchi airport. The regulator stated that the airline was found deficient in dealing with the situation.
“A more compassionate handling would have smoothened the nerves, calmed the child and obviated the need for denying boarding to the passengers,” DGCA’s Director General Arun Kumar said in a press statement.
The findings are based on a fact-finding exercise carried out by a three-member committee constituted by the DGCA which visited the Ranchi airport, met the family members of the special needs child , an eyewitness and met IndiGo officials too.
This is the first time the regulator has imposed a fine on an airline after the Aircraft Amendment Act, 2020 empowered it to levy fines without approaching a civil court.
This comes after the minister of civil aviation, Jyotiraditya Scindia, on May 9, said that he was investigating the matter himself and would ensure that appropriate action was taken. “There is zero tolerance towards such behaviour. No human being should have to go through this! Investigating the matter by myself, post which appropriate action will be taken,” he said in a tweet.
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“In the case involving a special child with reduced mobility, who along with the other family members were denied boarding at Ranchi Airport on May 7 2022, an enquiry was conducted by DGCA and based on the findings during the enquiry, a show cause notice was issued to Indigo Airline through its authorized representative,” DGCA said.
According to IndiGo, the ground staff had waited for the child to calm down till the last minute, but to no avail. IndiGo’s comment on the DGCA order is awaited.
DGCA said: “Further to meet the ends of justice, a personal hearing along with the opportunity of making written submissions was afforded by the DGCA and after following the due process of law, it has been observed that the handling of the special child by the Indigo ground staff was deficient and ended up exacerbating the situation.”
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