New Delhi: Two SpiceJet pilots were de-rostered after they were found to celebrate Holi inside the cockpit, news agency PTI reported. According to the report, the pilots reportedly kept a cup of beverage on the centre console of the cockpit during a flight, following which they were grounded, as any spillage of the beverage could have caused safety issues for the aircraft.
“Both pilots have been off rostered pending an inquiry. SpiceJet has a strict policy for consumption of food inside the cockpit, which is adhered by all flight crew. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken upon completion of the investigation,” a SpiceJet spokesperson said.
According to the report, the incident took place on the Delhi-Guwahati flight on March 8, Holi, and the airline took action against the pilot and the first officer on Wednesday.
Notably, a photo of the paper cup with the beverage kept on the centre console of the aircraft has gone viral on the social media. One of the pilots was also seen holding a 'gujiya' (a sweet dish) and another piece of 'gujiya' was kept near the cup.
An official from the airline said that slippage of the beverage onto the central console could have even resulted in a short circuit and a safety hazard for the flight mid-air.
As the picture went viral, a Twitter user commented, "Appalling & extremely unprofessional behaviour by @flyspicejet pilots. If the liquid (resting on the fuel cutoff levers) spills, it can short circuit the electronics affecting a range of systems and compromise the aircraft’s ability to fly safely".
Several Twitter users also tagged the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and Union Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia as they shared the image of Gujiyas in the cockpit.