The Ministry of Civil Aviation on Thursday took strong note of large-scale operational disruptions and flight cancellations across IndiGo’s network, with Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu conveying clear dissatisfaction over the airline’s handling of the situation.
The Minister chaired a high-level review meeting with IndiGo’s senior management, attended by the Civil Aviation Secretary, Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), senior ministry officials, and representatives from the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
During the meeting, IndiGo attributed the disruptions to challenges in crew planning, implementation of the revised Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms, and seasonal weather issues. Officials noted that the FDTL norms were phased in as per court directions to ensure better fatigue management and enhanced safety.
Ram Mohan Naidu expressed strong displeasure over IndiGo’s preparedness, stating that the airline had sufficient time to ensure a smooth transition to the new regulations. He directed the carrier to immediately stabilise operations and ensure that airfares do not rise due to the disruptions.
The Minister further instructed the airline to proactively inform passengers about possible cancellations, provide timely assistance, and arrange hotel accommodation where needed to minimise inconvenience.
In a separate review, the Minister directed AAI officials and airport directors to stay alert, closely monitor the situation, and extend all support to stranded passengers. He also emphasised the need for seamless coordination among airports, ATC, and airlines to restore normal operations quickly.
The DGCA has been tasked with strict real-time monitoring of IndiGo’s operations, including field inspections at major airports. Officials have been deployed to the airline’s operational control centres to ensure oversight of passenger-handling processes and communication during delays.
The Ministry said it remains committed to ensuring smooth air travel and protecting passenger rights, adding that IndiGo’s recovery efforts will continue to be closely monitored until operations fully stabilise.
