IndiGo disruptions stabilising as aviation minister orders overhaul
IndiGo disruptions stabilising as aviation minister orders overhaul
India’s aviation minister says IndiGo’s rostering glitches caused cancellations but are rapidly stabilising, with regulators stepping in, refunds under watch, and a plan to restructure operations.
Civil aviation minister K Ram Mohan Naidu told the Lok Sabha that IndiGo’s internal rostering disruptions led to large-scale cancellations, inconveniencing thousands of passengers. Despite the airline’s assurances on following new Flight Duty Time Limitations, prima facie, the disruptions were observed and the regulator was advised to act immediately; the disruptions were described as rapidly stabilising. IndiGo’s daily flights fell to 706 on December 5 and rose to over 1,800 on the following Monday, with expectations of further increases as normal scheduling is restored. Show-cause notices have been issued to IndiGo’s senior leadership and a detailed enforcement investigation has begun. Accountability will be ensured; no airline, however large, will be permitted to cause such hardship to passengers through planning failures or non-adherence to statutory provisions.
The minister noted that other airlines are operating smoothly, and airports are reporting normal conditions without crowding or distress. Refunds, baggage tracing, and passenger support measures are under continuous supervision, with ongoing oversight on the ground. The crisis has affected at least 4,600 flights and millions of passengers since December 2. The government is responding with a clear message: airlines will be held to high standards of compliance and service, and disruptions will be addressed decisively as investigations proceed.
Indigo has been directed to restructure its operations, add reserve crew capacity, improve passenger handling, and restore normal schedules without delay. Enhanced ground oversight will continue as the aviation regulator pursues action under applicable rules and acts. Alongside immediate fixes, long-term measures to strengthen India’s aviation sector are being pursued to prevent a repeat of such disruption and to protect passenger interests.
Cover image source: IndiGo did not flag troubles during Dec 1 meet: Minister 🔗
