Airlines compromising on safety to cut costs, says DGCA

All major airlines in the country are compromising on passenger safety in order to cut costs, the directorate general of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said in its safety audit.

The aviation sector watchdog has pulled up all major airlines in the country for breaching safety norms and warned the airlines against compromising on safety to cut costs.

DGCA has also cautioned low-cost carriers like IndiGo, SpiceJet and GoAir for not maintaining crucial data needed for safe flights.

Jet Airways' low-cost arm JetLite did not even possess the software to monitor the digital flight data recorder, better known as the `Blackbox.'

DGCA also pointed to IndiGo carrying out engine modifications to allow its Airbus 320 aircraft to fly long haul and for improper investigations into incidents involving its aircraft.

It also pulled up IndiGo for closing investigations without the DGCA's approval and asked it take urgent steps to rectify safety lapses as per the DGCA recommendations.