AirAsia in India: License Drama and a Flying Fiasco
The Raid
In a move that felt straight out of a mystery movie, India’s federal police burst into AirAsia’s offices across the country on Tuesday. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) claims that Tony Fernandes, the airline’s flamboyant boss, tried to warm up the sky by bribing officials for licences.
What the Bureau Claims
- The CBI alleges Fernandes lobbied Indian authorities for favoured treatment.
- “We have filed a case against AirAsia chief, his crew and several government officers over illegally securing licences,” said CBI officer R.K. Gaur.
- Office raids span major Indian cities as part of the probe.
AirAsia’s Response
AirAsia isn’t taking any of this lying down. “We’ve got nothing to hide and are working with all regulators to set the record straight,” said Shuva Mandal, director of AirAsia’s Indian arm.
The 5/20 Rule
One of the regulations up for grabs is the 5/20 rule. Basically, airlines need five years of domestic experience AND a fleet of 20 aircraft before they can fly abroad. Fernandes allegedly pushed to get this rule dialed back in his favour.
Official Fallout
- Investigators named a director from AirAsia, an aviation consultant, and unnamed government officials on the preliminary case.
- The airline’s local partner, Tata Sons, started domestic flights in 2014, slicking the road with promotional fares.
- Things got messy this month after AirAsia India’s CEO Amar Abrol stepped down, citing personal reasons.
- Now, the no‑frills carrier flies from bases in Bengaluru and Delhi to places like Goa, Jaipur, and Kochi.
As the dust settles, the story is a reminder that even a budget airline’s best‑sellers can hit turbulence when politics & licences collide in the skies.
