India’s aviation regulator fined Air India after a pilot invited a “lady friend” to the flight deck during a commercial flight. The authority also suspended the pilot’s license.

The incident happened on Air India flight AI-915 from Delhi to Dubai on February 27, 2023. According to the local media reports, the pilot in command allowed a female passenger to enter the flight deck during the cruising stage of the flight. The female passenger was an Air India staff member on duty traveling as a passenger.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has reportedly imposed a Rs 30 lakh (approximately USD 36 thousand) fine on Air India for the failure in addressing the “safety sensitive issue” promptly and effectively.

Meanwhile, the pilot in command’s license was suspended for three months, while the co-pilot received a warning to be more assertive in preventing violations of rules. The airline was also told to take action against the female who entered the flight deck, including temporary removal from any managerial functions.