Air India Grounds 2 Pilots Over Female Friend In Cockpit

Tata-backed-Air India airline has grounded two pilots for inviting a female friend into the cockpit of a Delhi-Leh flight last week.

"A female friend of AI-445 pilot entered the cockpit without following rules, both pilots have been grounded/off-roster by Air India," a top Air India official told ANI.

Responding to the incident, the Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said, "DGCA is aware of the issue and necessary action is being taken in the matter in accordance with the procedures." "Air India formed a committee for the detail investigations," an official told ANI.

In a similar incident, an Air India pilot allowed a female friend into the cockpit during a Dubai-Delhi flight on February 27.

Following the incident, the airline had said zero tolerance in aspects related to the safety and well-being of passengers and will take requisite action about the incident.

A DGCA ordered an investigation into the matter to examine the relevant facts from the technical and safety standpoint. The pilot of the flight had allowed a female friend into the cockpit.

Unauthorised people are not allowed to enter the cockpit and any such entry could be in violation of norms.

"We have taken serious note of the reported incident and investigations are underway in Air India. We have also reported the matter to the DGCA and are cooperating with their investigations," the airline spokesperson said in a statement.