(a) whether Indian Airlines Flight No.540 from Delhi to Chennai was grounded on July 12,2000;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor;
(c) whether any responsibility has been fixed on the grounding of this flight;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) the reasons for not fumigating the plane before embarking the passengers into the aircraft; and
(f) the steps taken by the Government to prevent recurrence of such incidents in future?
THE MINISTER OF CIVIL AVIATION (SHRI SHARAD YADAV)
(a): Yes, Sir.
(b): Flight IC 540 of 12.7.2000 was rescheduled to operate
Delhi-Chennai at 2145 hours as against its STD of 1900 hours
due to requirement of B4 type of aircraft at Chennai for
Singapore operation with incoming IC 539 aircraft VT-EVD.
The flight rolled out at 2145 hours with TNB 128 passengers.
At 2155 hours, it was informed that a rat had been seen in
the aircraft and therefore the Commander of the aircraft
decided to return to the bay. The aircraft arrived at the
bay and passengers were disembarked and brought to the
Terminal Building.
(c) and (d): The matter was considered by Indian Airlines.
It was not possible to fix individual responsibility for the
grounding of the flight.
(e): Fumigation of the aircraft is not done prior to each
flight. As soon as rat was observed on the aircraft,
aircraft was fumigated prior to offering for the next flight
to ensure safe operation of aircraft.
(f): The caterers have been advised to regularly fumigate
the highlifts through which food items are transferred to
the aircraft. Catering Section has been advised to exercise
utmost vigil against the possible rodent menace.