Air India has been slapped with a massive fine of Rs 1.10 crore for breaching safety measures in the midst of a string of flight irregularities. The airline is being penalized for failing to adhere to regulations and safety manuals concerning oxygen-related compliance requirements for the operation of leased Boeing B777 aircraft.

According to a regulatory body's report, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) carried out a thorough inquiry into reported flight violations by M/s Air India on specific long-range, terrain-critical routes. This investigation was initiated following the receipt of a voluntary safety report from an employee of the airline.

Previously, the regulatory authority had been provided with a safety report by an airline employee, accusing the occurrence of specific violations on certain routes.

According to the DGCA statement, the initial findings of the investigation indicated a lack of compliance by the airline. The Accountable Manager of Air India Limited received a Show Cause Notice. The response to this notice was carefully assessed, considering the specified provisions under the relevant statutory regulations and the performance limits outlined in critical documents by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).

Due to the leased aircraft's operations deviating from the regulatory/OEM performance limits, the DGCA has taken enforcement action, imposing a fine of Rs. 1.10 crore on M/s Air India.

This is not the first instance of the company dealing with financial penalties. Just last week, the aviation regulator fined Air India Rs 30 lakh for deficiencies in pilot rostering during flights in low visibility conditions. In November, Air India faced a penalty of Rs 10 lakh for non-compliance with rules regarding facilities that must be provided to passengers.