The Directorate General of Civil Aviation on Friday cited a series of violations that took place during singer Sonu Nigam's concert on Jet Airways in justification of its order to the airline to suspend the five air hostesses on board for allowing the singer to use the in-flight intercom.

DGCA sources said the in-flight intercom was used for song, which is a violation of set procedures; the forward galley was unattended; the aircraft was descending due to a large number of passengers standing in the aisle area; the passengers could have been hurt in case of clear weather turbulence; and the crew was not aware of the cabin activity.

Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Civil Aviation Mahesh Sharma said certain norms and protocols have to be maintained by anyone of us, and he is happy that Jet Airways has taken initiative on the issue.

"The laid down specific protocols need to be followed, because the mic system has to be used by the authorised staff or the captain only. Use of it by any artiste, individually I am not against it, but protocol should have been maintained, because there is then no limit of violating the protocol," he said.

"This is the beginning, and it needs to be ended at this stage only. I am happy that Jet Airways has taken initiative on the issue," the minister added.