India's struggling carrier Akasa blames regulator "inaction" as pilots quit

Indian budget carrier Akasa Air has accused the aviation regulator of causing it "significant financial and operational hardship" by not intervening to stop pilots from abruptly quitting and disrupting operations, legal filings showed. Over 40 of more than 450 pilots have recently quit Akasa without serving their notice, leading to cancellations of around 18% of the 3,500 flights it usually runs a month in August. Akasa is suing some of the pilots for alleged contractual violations, and has warned in court that it might have to shut down if the exits continue. India mandates a notice period of 6-12 months for pilots which some pilot organisations are challenging in court. Akasa argues its contractual obligations with pilots remain in force, and is suing the regulator for not intervening in the public interest. In its 265-page legal filing, made on Sept. 14 and seen by Reuters, Akasa accused the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of being "unwilling to take any action", which resulted in "significant financial and operational hardship" as well as "reputational loss". The DGCA's inaction has a "cascading effect on the stability" of the Indian aviation sector, it added. A DGCA official said the regulator cannot comment, as the case was being heard in court. An Akasa spokesperson said the airline was in discussion with the DGCA on the matter.<br/>