The CBI has registered a case against AirAsia airline CEO Tony Fernandes and others for violation of certain international aviation rules, an official said on Tuesday.
The agency on Tuesday conducted searches at multiple locations in New Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru in connection with the case.
"A case has been registered against Fernandes and some other unidentified persons linked to the firm (AirAsia) on the allegation of violation of 522 rules in international aviation sector," CBI spokesperson RK Gaur told IANS.
Directors of the aviation company allegedly violated norms for relaxation of 5/20 rules in the aviation sector to get licences for international operations.
The 5/20 rule refers to five years of experience and 20 aircraft, which is the norm as required by a company to become eligible for the licence.
Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) rules were also allegedly violated.
The CBI has alleged that Fernandes allegedly lobbied with government servants for clearances, subversion of existing 5/20 rule and amendment in regulatory policies.
Others named in the FIR include Group CEO AirAsia Malaysia, Travel Food owner Sunil Kapoor, AirAsia Director R Venkatraman, aviation consultant Deepak Talwar, Director of Singapore-based SNR Trading Rejendra Dubey as well as the company Air Asia and unidentified public servants.
(With IANS inputs)