“Strict Action Against IndiGo”: Govt Warns Airline After Massive Flight Cancellations

The government has taken a tough stance after hundreds of flights were cancelled and passengers faced significant inconvenience at airports across the country due to IndiGo's crew crisis. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu issued a clear warning to IndiGo in Parliament today, stating that strict action would be taken against the airline to set an example for every airline in the country.

In the Rajya Sabha, the minister stated that the widespread flight cancellations and stranded passengers were caused by an "internal crisis" at IndiGo, which emerged after the implementation of new passenger safety norms. He said, "We care about everyone – pilots, crew, and passengers. The rules were already made clear to all airlines. IndiGo should have managed its crew and roster. Passengers have faced immense hardship. The government is not taking the situation lightly. Strict action will be taken, which will set an example for every airline. Any violation of the rules will be severely punished."

Why are passengers stranded and flights cancelled?

New flight safety regulations implemented two years ago mandated additional downtime to address pilot fatigue. This required airlines to hire more pilots.

IndiGo, which operates 2,200 flights daily, began experiencing crew shortages as soon as the new regulations came into effect. As a result, hundreds of flights across the country had to be cancelled, disrupting passengers' weddings, vacations, and even important work. As the situation worsened, the DGCA temporarily relaxed the new guidelines.

Opposition's Attack and Duopoly Issue

Following the IndiGo crisis, the opposition questioned the duopoly market structure between IndiGo and Air India in the civil aviation sector. The opposition alleged that two major airlines controlling the majority of the market could worsen such situations.

The government's response was that it has consistently encouraged new players and that India has the potential to have five major airlines operating.