India Fines IndiGo Airline for Irregularities in Pilot Training

Dergam Mousa

3 days ago

India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has imposed a fine of 20 lakh rupees on IndiGo, the country’s largest airline, after detecting irregularities in pilot training for Category C aerodromes.

The regulator officially notified InterGlobe Aviation, IndiGo’s parent company, of the penalty on September 26, 2025, as reported by the company to the stock markets.

Use of Uncertified Simulators

The DGCA stated that the violation is related to the use of simulators that were not properly certified during training sessions.

An analysis of training records revealed that approximately 1,700 pilots, including commanders and first officers, conducted practices on Full Flight Simulators (FFS) that were not approved for operations at Category C airports, which are considered particularly challenging due to their operational conditions.

According to India’s Civil Aviation Requirements, training for these aerodromes must be conducted on simulators specifically qualified for those locations, a measure that guarantees operational safety and crew preparedness.

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IndiGo to Appeal the Decision

In a statement, IndiGo announced it will challenge the DGCA’s order before the relevant appellate authority.

The airline assured that the fine will not impact its finances, operations, or business activities.

Furthermore, the company explained the delay in the public disclosure of the penalty, attributing it to an internal delay in communicating the details of the ruling.

“The delay was unintentional and was due to an internal delay in communicating the details of the order,” IndiGo said in its statement.

History of Penalties

This is not the first time the airline has faced disciplinary measures from the regulator. In 2023, the DGCA had already imposed a fine of 30 lakh rupees on IndiGo following four tail strike incidents involving Airbus A321 aircraft.

Subsequently, a special audit by the regulator identified deficiencies in documentation, operational procedures, and staff training processes.

With this new fine, the Indian authority reaffirms its zero-tolerance stance regarding non-compliance with aviation safety standards and simulator training, underscoring the need for all airlines to maintain the highest standards of compliance.