In a shocking incident, an Air India pilot is reported to have entertained a woman friend in the cockpit of the plane on a Dubai-Delhi flight in a brazen violation of safety norms.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered an investigation into the incident which took place on Feb 27.

A Hindustan Times report the incident came to light after an air hostess lodged a complaint against the pilot. The complainant has alleged that the captain wanted the crew to ensure that the cockpit appeared welcoming and comfortable before inviting his friend inside, and asked that she be served a special food and snacks meant for business class passengers who pay much more.

The HT report said that the pilot also asked the crew member to fetch some pillows to make the cockpit comfortable.

The crew member has further alleged that the pilot flew into a fit of rage when she raised objections to serving alcohol in the cockpit.