Arya News - With widespread cancellations and delays across the airline IndiGo, the government — via the Ministry of Civil Aviation — warned it will launch a full investigation and impose “very strict action” to enforce compliance with safety and roster-management rules.
NEW DELHI – Amid the ongoing IndiGo crisis, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu on Monday informed the Rajya Sabha that the Union government will take strict action against the low-cost airline over the massive disruption of flights to “set an example” for all airlines.
For the seventh consecutive day, the airline’s services remained disrupted. Air travel across India has been in chaos with widespread IndiGo flight disruptions on Monday, and major airports across the country reported extensive cancellations. The airline has cancelled 500 flights and plans to operate 1,802 services today, the civil aviation ministry said. In a statement, the airline has delivered 4,500 bags to the passengers out of the total 9,000, and will deliver the remaining in the next 36 hours.
The minister in the Rajya Sabha said that the Union government has initiated a thorough probe into the issue.
“We care for pilots, crew, and passengers. We made it clear to all the airlines. IndiGo was supposed to manage the crew and roster. Passengers faced a lot of difficulties. We are not taking the situation lightly. We will take strict action. We will set an example for every airline. If there is any non-compliance, we will take action,” he said in the Rajya Sabha.
The minister said the chaos that led to the cancellation of hundreds of flights and stranded thousands of people was the result of IndiGo’s “internal crisis” after the new passenger safety norms came into force.
He said over five lakh PNR cancellations had been recorded, and Rs 569 crore had been provided to affected passengers.
In the Rajya Sabha, Naidu said the issues faced by passengers were linked to the airline’s internal crew rostering and operational planning, and not the Aircraft Maintenance and Scheduling System (AMSS).
The Aviation Minister emphasised that “there will be no compromise on safety”.
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Naidu stated that stringent Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs) exist to protect passengers affected by flight delays and cancellations.
“For all passengers who have faced difficulties due to delays and cancellations, strict Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs) are in place. Airline operators have to follow these requirements. Regarding the software issue, an inquiry has been made. Continuous technology upgradation happens in this sector. Our vision from the government is to have top global standards for the aviation sector in the country,” he said.
The Minister Naidu explained that the problems at IndiGo were related to crew rostering and internal operational planning, which the airline is responsible for managing on a day-to-day basis.
He added that thorough consultations have been held with all stakeholders concerning Flight Time Limitations (FTTL) guidelines, and emphasised that there will be no compromise on safety.
Naidu underlined that the government is taking the situation seriously and warned, “If there is non-adherence by any operator, we will take very strict action.”
He also highlighted the government’s intent to encourage more players in the aviation sector.
Answering a question from Member of Rajya Sabha M Thambi Durai, who cited long hours spent stranded and exorbitant fares, the Union Minister expressed regret for the inconvenience caused.
The Civil Aviation Minister said the Centre has capped fares and created four pricing slabs, taking strict action against non-compliance, and has previously acted to curb unreasonable fare hikes.
The discussion comes amid continued delays and cancellations across IndiGo’s network, leaving passengers stranded at airports nationwide.
Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted IndiGo’s Accountable Manager and Chief Executive Officer a one-time 24-hour extension to respond to the Show Cause Notice issued on December 6 over large-scale operational disruptions and observed non-compliances.
The airline had requested more time, citing “operational constraints” linked to the size of its nationwide network and multiple unavoidable factors contributing to the delays.
After reviewing the request, the DGCA extended the reply deadline only till 1800 hours on December 8, stressing that no additional extensions would be granted.