An Air India pilot operating from Dubai to Delhi on February 27 has been alleged to entertain a female friend in the cockpit for three hours.
According to the Indian media, a cabin crew member filed a complaint against the pilot.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of India has ordered an inquiry into the violation of safety norms.
The complaint filed by an air hostess alleges that the captain wanted the crew to make sure the cockpit appeared welcoming before inviting his friend in and asked that she be served food served in business class.
The complaint stated that the captain asked her to take her female friend into the cockpit and asked him to bring some pillows from the bunk for her comfort. The girlfriend was sitting in the first observer seat.
The pilot said the cockpit should appear welcoming, warm, and comfortable, as though he was preparing his living room for a lady friend. Also, asked me to take her drinks and snacks order and serve her," the air hostess mentioned in the complaint.
‘Captain, I said it would be inconvenient for me to serve alcohol in the cockpit. This seemed to upset him greatly. From that moment his attitude changed completely. “He started treating me like a maid who works only for him,” the air hostess added.
The complainant also said that the woman spent more than an hour in the cockpit.
Reacting to the incident, Air India said that it has taken the incident seriously and an investigation is underway.
“We have conveyed the matter to the DGCA and are cooperating with their investigations. We do not compromise when it comes to the safety and well-being of our passengers. “Necessary action will be taken,” the airline said.