INDIAN aviation authorities have rejected any involvement in the ongoing dispute between Akasa Air and its pilots, despite the budget carrier's claims of regulatory inaction, reports Reuters.
In recent weeks, more than 40 Akasa's 450 pilots resigned without adhering to their notice periods.
In response, the airline has taken legal action against some of these pilots and has challenged indian authorities in court for not addressing what it perceives as pilot misconduct.
The airline has also warned of a potential shutdown due to the crisis.
Indian regulations stipulate a notice period of 6-12 months for pilots, a requirement currently being challenged in court by some pilot organisations.
Akasa contends that its contractual obligations with pilots remain valid and is suing the regulator for failing to intervene in the public interest.
In a filing dated September 22 at the Delhi High Court, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the aviation ministry argued that Akasa's plea should be dismissed, stating that the regulator lacks the power or delegated authority to interfere in employment contracts.
Akasa, which had previously mentioned discussions with the DGCA, has not responded to requests for comment on the recent filing, as reported by Reuters.
Akasa has accused the DGCA of being unwilling to take action, resulting in 'significant financial and operational hardships' for the airline.
The pilot resignations led to 632 flight cancellations in August, representing 18 per cent of the airline's typical monthly operation of around 3,500 flights.
SeaNews Turkey
In recent weeks, more than 40 Akasa's 450 pilots resigned without adhering to their notice periods.
In response, the airline has taken legal action against some of these pilots and has challenged indian authorities in court for not addressing what it perceives as pilot misconduct.
The airline has also warned of a potential shutdown due to the crisis.
Indian regulations stipulate a notice period of 6-12 months for pilots, a requirement currently being challenged in court by some pilot organisations.
Akasa contends that its contractual obligations with pilots remain valid and is suing the regulator for failing to intervene in the public interest.
In a filing dated September 22 at the Delhi High Court, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the aviation ministry argued that Akasa's plea should be dismissed, stating that the regulator lacks the power or delegated authority to interfere in employment contracts.
Akasa, which had previously mentioned discussions with the DGCA, has not responded to requests for comment on the recent filing, as reported by Reuters.
Akasa has accused the DGCA of being unwilling to take action, resulting in 'significant financial and operational hardships' for the airline.
The pilot resignations led to 632 flight cancellations in August, representing 18 per cent of the airline's typical monthly operation of around 3,500 flights.
SeaNews Turkey
