Air India Sacks Trainer, Grounds 10 Pilots After Whistleblower Complaint

Air India on Wednesday said it has terminated a senior simulator trainer pilot after an internal investigation confirmed that he had failed to follow key training protocols, violating guidelines set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. The issue surfaced after a whistleblower complaint, prompting the airline to conduct a detailed probe.

As a precaution, 10 pilots who underwent recurrent simulator training under the dismissed trainer have been removed from flying duties pending further investigation, a statement noted. The airline has voluntarily reported the matter to the DGCA and commended the whistleblower for stepping forward.

Following its privatisation under the Tata Group, Air India implemented the Tata Code of Conduct to establish clear behavioural expectations and drive cultural change.

The code explicitly states that “violation by even a single employee of any law relating to anti-bribery, anti-corruption, anti-competition, data privacy, etc. could result in severe financial penalties and cause irreparable reputational damage to the company.”

In 2024 alone, the airline has terminated more than 30 employees for ethical breaches, with numerous others facing disciplinary action, Air India said.

A spokesperson of the airline added that in order to uphold ethical standards, they have set up an Apex Ethics Committee led by senior management. There will be a structured process for investigating allegations, ensuring all cases are handled independently and without external interference.

The airline has also prioritised fair and transparent employee policies, stating that “we shall have fair, transparent and clear employee policies that promote diversity and equality, in accordance with applicable law and other provisions of this Code.”