63 SpiceJet pilots face action for violating duty hour norms

NEW DELHI: About 63 pilots of SpiceJet were suspended, as they were found to be flying beyond their flying duty limitations, Parliament was informed today. The pilots were suspended for 15 days, parliament was informed. The suspension happened about five months back. A senior DGCA official said that this is a routine process and they keep doing it.

In case of rules not being followed, pilots are warned first. "They are suspended for a brief period in the second instance and further action is taken in the case of third violation," said a senior DGCA official.

"During surveillance and subsequent scrutiny of records, it has been revealed that 63 pilots of SpiceJet had operated flights exceeding flight duty period as laid down in Civil Aviation Requirements...," he said in a written reply.

However, the Minister did not disclose specific details such as when these incidents happened.

In a separate written reply, Sinha said the new airport at Kannur in Kerala is expected to be completed by May 31, 2017.

The project is being implemented by Kannur International Airport Ltd (KIAL) through funds from equity and term loan from banks.

"A sum of Rs 34.06 crore was released by Kerala state government to the company during financial year 2010-11, which was converted into equity during the financial year 2014-15.

"As on July 31, 2016, expenditure on the project through equity and term loan funding is Rs 1,220 crore," he said.