Interim Relief for Akasa as Delhi HC Says DGCA Has Power to Act Against Pilots

In an interim relief for Akasa, the Delhi High Court on Wednesday said that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has the power to act against pilots as per regulations under the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR).

Akasa Air has taken 43 pilots to court for leaving the company without serving a mandatory six-month notice period which has impacted the airline’s operations.

Airline sources had earlier said the pilots’ exits have led to cancellations that have gone beyond estimates and could lead to halting of operations altogether if the situation continues. Pilots resigned after Akasa Air changed their salary structure.

In its petition, the airline also sought monetary compensation of Rs 21 crore, which includes the cost of training one pilot

The developments would make a dent in Akasa’s ambitious expansion plans. After Go Air’s grounding, Akasa became the third biggest player but it has now lost 1% market share by the end of August.

Pilots, who have quit, said that the airline violated the contractual agreement by altering the salary structure. In June, Akasa reduced the payment to Rs 7,500 from Rs 10,000 for every hour flown by a pilot beyond the monthly quota of 40 hours.

NO IMPACT ON OPERATIONS: AKASA AIR AFTER PILOTS’ RESIGNATIONS

Responding to CNN-News18’s queries, Akasa had said they have sought legal remedy only against a small set of pilots who abandoned their duties and left without serving their mandatory contractual notice period.

“This was not only in violation of their contract but also the country’s civil aviation regulation. Not only is this illegal in law but also an unethical and selfish act that disrupted flights in August forcing last-minute cancellations,” it added.

The airline said the exits of pilots will not have an impact on its operations.

When asked about the salary structure being changed as complained by pilots, the airline said, “We have increased our overall compensation substantially on three separate occasions since the start of our operations in August 2022 and this has been well covered in the media. It is disingenuous for any employee to suggest otherwise.”