Delhi Delhi. Aviation regulator DGCA has imposed a fine of Rs 10 lakh on Aakash Air for not paying timely compensation to some passengers sent back from Bengaluru airport in September. Seven passengers flying from Bengaluru to Pune on September 6 were denied boarding, the subject of the DGCA's most recent action. The source told an agency on Tuesday that the replacement plane had nine non-operational seats, due to which seven passengers were denied boarding. The aircraft had to take off due to damage caused by a foreign object.
Subsequently, the passengers were transferred to an IndiGo flight, which was scheduled to depart at 2240 hrs, more than an hour late from the actual Sky flight. According to the above source, the passengers did not receive any compensation, which was against DGCA rules. When passengers are refused boarding and are not accommodated within an hour of scheduled departure, DGCA rules require airlines to reimburse passengers 200 per cent of the one-way basic fare and fuel charges, subject to a maximum of Rs 10,000. Compensation up to Rs.1000 is to be paid provided a replacement flight is scheduled within 24 hours. Seven passengers were to get this compensation. However, Akasa Air did not pay these passengers.
As a result, the DRF was closed and a show cause notice was issued by the DGCA. Fearing punishment, the airline started collecting bank account information of passengers for reimbursement. The airline, more than two-and-a-half years old, has been under regulatory scrutiny in recent months due to some alleged violations. The carrier has called the allegations baseless. Earlier this month, some pilots also raised concerns about training aboard the carrier.
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