SpiceJet flight takes off from Rajkot without the approval of ATC, DGCA orders probe

On December 30, a SpiceJet passenger flight took off from Rajkot, Gujarat, without receiving the required approval from the Air Traffic Controller (ATC), prompting the aviation regulator DGCA to conduct an investigation into the event, officials said on Sunday. According to a SpiceJet spokeswoman, the pilots of the Rajkot-Delhi flight have been de-rostered awaiting an investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

According to officials, the Rajkot-Delhi flight took off about 9.30 a.m. on December 30 and landed at the Delhi airport at 11:15 a.m.

Before departing from an airport, an aircraft must obtain various approvals from ATC. To push back from the aircraft stand, it must first obtain clearance. Then, before starting the engines, it must obtain permission. It must then obtain permission to stand in the line-up, and finally, authorization to take off.

The pilots failed not obtain the necessary approval from the ATC before departing from Rajkot airport on December 30, according to officials.

According to them, the DGCA is investigating the December 30 occurrence to determine the cause of the mishap.