DGCA initiates probe into IndiGo flight that took off without air traffic control clearance

The IndiGo flight 6E 1803 took off without the required air traffic control (ATC) clearance, said aviation regulator officials

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a probe into IndiGo's flight 6E-1803 Delhi-Baku that took off on January 28.

The IndiGo flight 6E 1803 took off without the required air traffic control (ATC) clearance, said officials from the aviation regulator.

The matter is under investigation. The pilots of IndiGo's Airbus A320neo (VT-IZN) aircraft have been suspended, the official added.

"With reference to reports around IndiGo flight 6E 1803 operating between Delhi and Baku on Jan 28, 2024, the incident is currently under investigation and, appropriate action will be taken as necessary," the airline said in a statement.

The DGCA has flagged concerns regarding potential lapses in adhering to ATC procedure by the IndiGo flight.

A clearance issued by ATC is predicated on known traffic and known physical airport conditions and is issued for the purpose of preventing collision between known aircraft.

An ATC clearance means an authorization by ATC for an aircraft to proceed under specified conditions within controlled airspace.

The safety breach comes at a time when the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MCA) and DGCA are cracking down on recent mishaps by airlines.

On January 17, the DGCA imposed a penalty of Rs 30 lakh each on SpiceJet and Air India for 'rostering non-CAT III compliant pilots' during the foggy season in Delhi, which resulted in more diversions of the flights from the national capital.

On the same day, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has slapped a fine of Rs 1.2 crore on IndiGo Airlines and also imposed a penalty of Rs 60 lakh on the Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) for the tarmac incident.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation had issued show-cause notices to IndiGo Airlines and the Mumbai airport, demanding answers after a viral video depicted stranded passengers nonchalantly eating on the tarmac after their Delhi-bound flight was delayed by 12 hours. This delay was a result of severe flight disruptions at Delhi airport caused by dense fog.

Last week, the DGCA had initiated enforcement action and imposed a penalty of Rs 1.10 crore on Air India over allegations of safety violations of flights on certain long-range terrain critical routes.

In a statement, the aviation regulator noted that Air India's leased Boeing 777 plane few to the US without having the required system of emergency oxygen supply.