The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) imposed a R10 lakh fine on Akasa Air for not allowing seven passengers to board an aircraft and failing to offer the required compensation. The incident occurred on September 6 when the passengers were stopped from boarding a Bengaluru-Pune flight.

An Akasa Air spokesperson confirmed the development and said, “We acknowledge receipt of an order by the DGCA dated December 24. We continue to work closely with the DGCA to address this matter.” A DGCA senior official said, “The original flight was delayed after the aircraft was grounded due to foreign object damage, and a replacement aircraft was brought in; but it had nine inoperable seats. As a result, seven passengers could not board.”