HC refuses to stay flying permit granted to AirAsia India

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court today refused to stay grant of flying licence to new airline AirAsia India by aviation regulator DGCA.

A bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Pradeep Nandrajog disposed of the application filed by Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA), saying that there is no urgency as the flying permit will be subject to the outcome of the petition challenging the approvals being granted to AirAsia India deal, which is scheduled to come up for hearing on July 11. "There is no urgency. The AOP (Air Operator's Permit or flying licence) granted will be subject to the outcome of the writ petition. The application is disposed of accordingly," the bench said. "Just because the situation has changed a little bit does not mean a fresh cause of action has to be initiated," it said.

AirAsia India was granted the flying licence by DGCA on May 7. AirAsia India's CEO Mittu Chandilya had earlier said, "We will be launching flights in about two to three months. We would soon be filing our flight schedules for approval from the DGCA, and after the approval we would seek slots at the different airports." The high court had yesterday agreed to hear FIA's plea challenging grant of flying licence to AirAsia India by DGCA.

The interim application moved by FIA had sought to restrain AirAsia India from commencing its scheduled air transport operations during the pendency of the petition. The plea had also sought "to restrain the Centre from granting any decision or grant of any further approvals/ permissions/NOC/permits in favour of AirAsia India".