Indigo Pilots Discuss Pay Cuts Over Emergency Frequency; DGCA Launches Probe

Seven IndiGo airlines pilots reached the sound frequency used in emergency situations while discussing pay cuts.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a probe after at least seven IndiGo airlines pilots reached the sound frequency used in emergency situations while using offensive language to discuss pay cuts.

(Photo: The Quint)

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a probe after at least seven IndiGo airlines pilots reached the sound frequency used in emergency situations while using offensive language to discuss pay cuts.

The pilots were venting their frustrations on a frequency 121.5 MHz, which is used for urgent communication when the aircraft is in distress, news agency PTI reported, citing sources.

The frequency is subject to constant supervision by air traffic controllers in the vicinity of the vehicle.

The incident comes days after the airlines ordered the suspension of a number of pilots over their intention to organise a strike earlier this month, against the slump in salaries amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Indigo had introduced as much as 30 percent pay cuts during the health emergency.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, 28 April, the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA) wrote a letter to Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, urging him to deliver justice for the pilots "who have been forced to resign following their suspension from Indigo airlines."

What the Letter Says

The association noted in its letter that the pilots were suspended for discussing the formation of a trade union for adequate reception of their concerns.

Writing that forming a union is a right enshrined in the Indian Constitution, the ALPA stated:

"The human resources department of Indigo airlines has reacted in a manner which is highly arbitrary and has suspended the pilots initially. In a mafioso manner they have then proceeded to force the pilots to tender their resignation. The pilots had no option but to comply thereby furthering the feeling that there is no fair representation for the pilots."

The association also apprised the minister of "the exploitation of pilots in general that is taking place in various airlines in India post the pandemic."

"Fatigue risk management is another sore point that the airline industry needs to urgently implement in order to mitigate the risk present in flying in a large country on a daily basis," the ALPA letter added.

(With inputs from PTI.)