Claiming delay in obtaining the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Alhind Air has put about 120 employees on leave without pay. This move was reportedly verbally communicated to the employees last month itself. The official mail has been sent now because some employees wanted a written and formal confirmation.
Interestingly, Alhind Air recently received a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Civil Aviation Ministry.
The Kochi-based Alhind has formally notified the impacted employees that they would not be paid for the period they are on leave in line with the ‘no work no pay’ policy. The notice comes into effect from 15 November 2025 as per a Financial Express report. According to the airline, it is waiting for the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to issue the AOC without which it cannot begin flying commercially.
Media reports say that employees have been officially informed that the delay in receiving the required certificates is causing a lot of financial pressure on the operations’ sustenance. In other words, it is finding it difficult to rein in the expenses of running the operations, including the disbursement of salaries to the staff which alone requires about Rs 2 crores.
Employees were told that they would be informed of the receipt of AOC whenever it happens. They were also asked to return all official devices or assets that they may have to the HR.