Air India has grounded two of its pilots for inviting a female friend inside the cockpit during a domestic flight. The incident occurred on flight AI-445, a daily scheduled service between Delhi and the popular tourist destination Leh. According to the news agency ANI, the pilot and co-pilot allowed the woman into the cockpit after she boarded the flight at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport. The woman, who is reportedly a friend of the pilot, was allowed to stay in the cockpit for the entire duration of the flight.
The incident has drawn criticism from aviation experts, who say it is a serious violation of safety regulations. "This is a very serious lapse," said aviation expert Vipul Saxena. "Unauthorized persons are not allowed to enter the cockpit at any time." The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India's aviation regulator, has ordered an investigation into the incident. The DGCA has also grounded the two pilots and suspended their flying licenses.
This is not the first time that Air India pilots have been caught violating cockpit security rules. In February, the DGCA suspended the license of an Air India pilot who allowed his female friend into the cockpit of a flight from Dubai to Delhi. The DGCA has warned airlines that it will take strict action against any pilots who violate cockpit security rules. The regulator has also asked airlines to strengthen their security measures to prevent unauthorized persons from entering the cockpit.
The incident has raised concerns about aviation safety in India. Aviation experts say that the government needs to take steps to improve aviation safety in the country. They also say that airlines need to be more vigilant in enforcing security rules.