India DGCA issues show cause notice to Kingfisher Airlines over possible suspension

India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued (05-Oct-2012) a show cause notice to Kingfisher Airlines, to be replied to within fifteen days, as to why its operating certificate should not be cancelled or suspended as it has failed to establish a safe, efficient and reliable service under the provisions of relevant legislation. The carrier's operations have been suspended since 30-Sep-2012, due to employee industrial action. Minister of Civil Aviation Ajit Singh said he will permit no compromise on safety of aircraft operations. DGCA stated that Kingfisher Airlines has not approached them with any operational plan and has not been able to resolve its issues. The carrier's spokesman Prakash Mirpuri stated (07-Oct-2012) the airline intends issue a detailed response to the DGCA's show cause notice within the allotted 15-day time period. Kingfisher Airlines intends to issue a "comprehensive plan for restoration of services after negotiations with our employees". The DGCA has asked the carrier to provide operational and safety plans and justify why it should not be shut down. The airline extended a temporary shut-down of operations to 12-Oct-2012, after failing to reach agreement with striking workers. It ceased flight operations on 30-Sep-2012. The carrier has been unable to pay employee salaries for seven months and is negotiating with banks to unlock frozen accounts. [more - original PR - Kingfisher Airlines] [more - original PR - Civil Aviation Ministry] [more - Full Show Cause Notice]