DGCA probes after pilot allows female friend in cockpit during Air India's Dubai-Delhi flight

Allowing a visitor into the cockpit without permission is a serious offence, and one such incident came to light during a Dubai-Delhi flight on February 27, when an Air India pilot allowed a female friend into the cockpit. Taking cognizance of the matter, the airline regulator, DGCA, as well as Air India, are probing the incident now, officials informed. An Air India spokesperson said on Friday that the airline has zero tolerance for aspects related to the safety and well-being of passengers and will take the necessary action about the incident.

The incident is said to have happened on February 27 and a complaint was filed by a cabin member of that Dubai-Delhi flight with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

A DGCA official on Friday also confirmed that the regulator is conducting an investigation into the matter.

"The investigation team will examine the relevant facts from a technical and safety standpoint," the official added.

The pilot of the flight had allowed a female friend into the cockpit.

As per the DGCA rules, unauthorised people are not allowed to enter the cockpit, and any such entry could be in violation of the norms.

"We have taken serious note of the reported incident, and investigations are underway at Air India. The matter has been reported to the DGCA, and we are cooperating with the regulator's investigation as well," the airline spokesperson said in a statement.

(With inputs from PTI)