DOT FINES AIR INDIA $115,000 FOR FAILING TO MAKE REQUIRED ANNOUNCMENTS DURING DELAY
March 13, 2017
The Department of Transportation recently fined Air India $115,000 for allegedly violating 14 C.F.R. Part 259 and 49 U.S.C. 41712 when it carrier failed to notify passengers that they were able to deplane an aircraft during a lengthy delay.
Specifically, Air India was scheduled to operate Flight 144 from Newark International Airport to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport on July 3, 2014. The aircraft experienced a mechanical problem after the boarding process had been completed and remained at the gate with the aircraft door open. Though the door remained open and passengers had the opportunity to deplane, the carrier’s personnel did not inform those on board of their ability to get off the aircraft, as is required under 14 C.F.R. Part 259.4, which states that “every 30 minutes after scheduled departure and every 30 minutes after passengers will be notified that they have the opportunity to deplane an aircraft that is at the gate”. The captain believed the mechanical problem would be solved within a short period and advised passengers of the problem and progress of the issue as it developed. However, no announcement regarding passenger’s ability to leave the aircraft was made.
Air India’s failure to notify passengers resulted in a penalty of $115,000 and an order to cease and desist from any future violations to 14 CFR Part 259 and 49 U.S.C. 41712.
If you have any questions, please contact Evelyn Sahr (esahr@eckertseamans.com, 202-659-6622) or Drew Derco (dderco@eckertseamans.com, 202-659-6665).
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