Senior DGCA officials could not be reached for comment despite repeated attempts. PTI reported that the regulator is already probing the matter, quoting an official source.
“We have taken serious note of the reported incident and investigations are underway in Air India. The matter is reported to the DGCA and we are cooperating with the regulator’s investigation as well,” Air India said in a statement. The Tata group airline said it has “zero tolerance in aspects related to the safety and well-being” of passengers and will take “requisite action” in the matter.
Senior DGCA officials could not be reached for comment despite repeated attempts. PTI reported that the regulator is already probing the matter, quoting an official source.
The pilot’s female friend was learnt to have remained in the cockpit for an extended period of time and was reported to be seated in the first observer seat, which is located behind the seats of the pilot and co-pilot. The pilot allegedly asked the cabin crew to serve food and alcoholic drinks to the person inside the cockpit. To this, the complainant reportedly responded by saying that she was not comfortable serving alcohol inside the cockpit.
As per the DGCA’s rules, only airline employees authorised by the pilot should enter the cockpit, and all such personnel can do so only if they have taken and cleared the breath analyser test.
