The DGCA is mulling cancellation of Kingfisher's flying permit after the airline submitted to it the summer flight schedule with 15 to 16 aircraft as against 28 planes submitted last month.
As Kingfisher boss Vijay Mallya explained the airline's position to Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) following summons, the government on Tuesday warned the ailing carrier its flying licence can be cancelled if it failed to meet safety norms and financial viability conditions.
"We are explaining the situation to DGCA and I hope he will be satisfied." Mallya told reporters ahead of his meeting with DGCA EK Bharat Bhushan.
Mallya was summoned by DGCA on Tuesday to present a "clear picture" of the cash-strapped private carrier, as the aviation regulator mulled cancellation of its flying permit.
Ahead of the meeting, Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh put the onus on Mallya to maintain its operations and adhere to the schedule even as government constituted a special team to check whether the aircraft used by the airline were safe.
He said Kingfisher Airlines has not paid salaries to its employees, paid dues to oil companies and to the Airport Authority of India.
"Also they have failed to stick to their schedule. They have revised their schedule 2-3 times but they have failed to adhere to it. DGCA is checking on the passenger safety aspect whether the planes are safe and pilots were in good condition," he told reporters.
"If he gives a plan and says I have that many planes, that much schedule, then why should we cancel?" Singh said.
"The problem is, last two-three months, he has given several plans and he has not adhered to any of them," Singh said, adding, "If passenger safety is compromised we'll not let any airline fly. Safety norms also involves financial viability."
He said if the DGCA gives a report that safety cannot be assured in Kingfisher operations then certainly Government will take action.
"We are not giving last chance or first chance to Mr Mallya. He has to decide whether to run the airline or to how to run the airline. DGCA is looking after the situation. To continue to have the licence, they have to have five aircraft but at present the financial situation is bad," he said.
Singh also said a special flight audit team has been formed to check whether the aircraft were safe for operations.
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