Appoint directors only after security nod: Government tells airline companies

NEW DELHI: The Civil Aviation Ministry has warned airline companies of punitive action in case they are found to be appointing directors without requisite security approval.

The latest directive from the Ministry comes against the backdrop of instances where airline companies have been found violating norms by appointing directors on their boards without getting prior security nod from the government.

In an order, the Ministry has said that "punitive action" would be taken against the company concerned in case of violations.

All airlines are advised not to appoint directors on their board without prior security clearance from this Ministry, the order, dated January 13, said.

"In the recent past, instances have come to the notice of this Ministry where airline companies have appointed directors in their board without obtaining security clearance from the Ministry," it said.

However, details about such violations were not disclosed.

As per Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR), a new director or chairman should not be appointed unless the security clearance is obtained from the Home Ministry through the Civil Aviation Ministry.

This is applicable for scheduled as well as non-scheduled airline operators.