The Civil Aviation Minister of India, K Rammohan Naidu, has issued strict directives to IndiGo, one of the country's leading airlines, to swiftly restore normal flight services following recent widespread disruptions. During a high-level review meeting, IndiGo reported canceling over 550 flights on Thursday amid operational challenges attributed to crew scheduling issues, weather conditions, and new regulatory requirements.
The minister emphasized that such extensive cancellations could have been prevented through better preparation and planning. He instructed the airline to ensure that ticket prices do not surge due to the disruptions and called for proactive communication to passengers regarding cancellations, including support such as hotel accommodations when needed. To oversee the situation, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been assigned to monitor IndiGo's operations closely, conduct airport inspections, and verify passenger handling procedures.
Naidu also directed airport authorities nationwide to maintain vigilant oversight of ground operations, fostering smoother coordination and reducing inconvenience to passengers. IndiGo, which normally operates approximately 2,300 flights daily, is working to regain operational stability while regulators stress the importance of contingency planning. The airline and authorities remain committed to minimizing disruptions and improving communication to prevent similar issues in future.
