The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken a bold leap forward by inaugurating Electronic Personnel License (EPL) services tailored for Airline Transport Pilot Licenses (ATPL). This Wednesday’s event at DGCA headquarters in New Delhi positions the initiative as a cornerstone of digital innovation in civil aviation.
Crafted to ICAO specifications, the EPL incorporates cutting-edge security to guarantee legitimacy, thwart alterations, and facilitate instant checks. Aviation enthusiasts and professionals alike can download it effortlessly using the eGCA mobile app, marking a shift from traditional licensing woes.
DGCA first piloted EPL for Commercial Pilot and Flight Radio Telephone Operator Licenses back in February 2025. The ATPL integration now amplifies efforts to deliver faster, clearer, and more reliable services to the sector.
On another front, DGCA slapped IndiGo with a Rs 222 million penalty for operational failures in early December 2025. Over three days, 2,507 flights were axed and 1,852 delayed, affecting over 300,000 passengers and exposing glaring preparedness gaps.
The fine structure reveals a Rs 18 million base penalty for regulatory infractions, coupled with Rs 3 million per day for 68 days of flight duty time limit violations, pushing the total to Rs 222 million. This enforcement drives home DGCA’s dedication to safer, smoother air travel.