Kingfisher, GoAir, JetLite and Jet Airways will be given a period of 48 hours to explain their violations of a curfew imposed by airport safety officials.
Eight flights, each with over 150 passengers, landed at the airport during the prohibitory period.
On April 1, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) informed all airlines that from 3 to 5:30 pm, the airport would be off-limits because a radar system is being repaired. As a result, the Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI), a crucial navigational aid, is not available for pilots, who have to perform "blind landings." Pilots have to gauge features like distance and height before touchdown on their own.
"Despite our warnings to respect the curfew hours, some airlines have violated this directive. They will have to pay for it. We will take action", DGCA chief E K Bharat Bhushan said to PTI.
Everyday, around 45 flights land at the Goa airport, which is governed by the Indian Navy. Because of naval exercises, the airport is off-limits for commercial airlines from 8:30 to 1 pm. Because of repairs to the radar system, airlines were asked to reschedule eight flights that land between 3 to 5.30 pm.
Yesterday, the four airlines who are now being served formal notice ignored that curfew. They've been asked to de-roster the staff and crew who operated those flights.
"I had also warned them that in case of any violation, we will come down heavily on the operators as well as the flying crew", said Mr Bhushan.
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