A group of pilots at Akasa Air has raised serious concerns regarding the airline’s hiring practices, rostering issues, and operational lapses. In a letter addressed to Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu, Civil Aviation Secretary, and the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the pilots have called for a thorough investigation into these matters, which they claim have been affecting the airline’s functioning.
According to the pilots, one of the main issues involves the airline’s staffing practices, which they believe are being carried out without transparency and are subject to the preferences of a select few. They have also pointed out that there is a lack of stability in the airline’s crew roster, leading to confusion and mismanagement. The pilots further alleged that some crew members fail to report for work on time, which has had an impact on the airline’s punctuality and on-time performance (OTP) records. These claims indicate deeper systemic issues that may be affecting the airline’s operational efficiency.
In addition to the hiring and rostering issues, the pilots have expressed concerns about the airline’s overall operational safety. Earlier this year, the airline faced scrutiny from the DGCA regarding the competency of its training processes. In March 2024, a significant incident involving a landing mishap led to the suspension of an Akasa Air pilot’s Line Training Captain approval, signaling potential gaps in the airline’s pilot training procedures. Furthermore, in December 2024, the DGCA imposed a six-month suspension on Akasa Air’s Director of Operations and Director of Training after allegations surfaced about lapses in pilot training programs. These actions are part of the growing regulatory attention the airline has received for lapses in its operational procedures.
The airline has been flying for over two years and has made its mark in India’s aviation sector. However, these recent concerns suggest that Akasa Air may be facing growing pains as it navigates its operational challenges. The airline’s failure to address concerns around safety, training, and management has sparked discontent among its pilots, many of whom have demanded action to rectify the situation.
In addition to the suspensions, Akasa Air was also fined Rs 30 lakh by the DGCA in October of the previous year for lapses in crew training. This fine further underscores the regulatory concerns surrounding the airline’s operational standards, especially in terms of crew competency and safety protocols.
At the time of writing, Akasa Air has yet to issue an official comment on the pilots’ letter or the allegations raised. The airline’s management will likely face increasing pressure from both regulatory authorities and employees to address these operational shortcomings.
The airline industry is known for its strict regulations, particularly when it comes to safety and operational performance. The DGCA’s involvement in Akasa Air’s recent lapses has brought much-needed attention to the airline’s internal operations, and there is a growing expectation that the airline will take prompt action to improve its standards.
As Akasa Air continues to expand its presence in the competitive Indian aviation market, it will need to address these operational issues swiftly to maintain its reputation for safety and reliability. The ongoing concerns, particularly related to hiring practices and pilot training, may have long-term implications for the airline’s growth and operational stability if left unaddressed.
The call for a probe into Akasa Air’s hiring and operational practices highlights the importance of transparency, proper management, and adherence to industry standards, especially in an industry as critical as aviation. It remains to be seen how the Civil Aviation Ministry and other authorities will respond to these concerns and whether Akasa Air will take the necessary steps to improve its internal operations and regain the trust of its employees and passengers.
