SpiceJet flight takes off before ATC nod, DGCA probes lapse

NEW DELHI: The last year ended on a dramatic note for Indian aviation with a passenger aircraft taking off without air traffic control (ATC) clearance. This incident happened when a SpiceJet flight took off from Rajkot for Delhi without the mandatory nod on the penultimate day of 2021 — December 30. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is probing this serious lapse.
“A SpiceJet Q400 (VT-SUQ) operating Rajkot-Delhi as SJ-3703 on December 30, 2021 took off from Rajkot without ATC clearance. The pilots have been being off-rostered (taken off flying duty) pending investigation,” said people in the know. A senior DGCA official said strict action would be taken against those found responsible for the lapse.
A SpiceJet spokesman said: “Pilots have been off-rostered pending an inquiry.”