The civil aviation ministry in India has taken decisive action amid widespread disruptions at airports caused by IndiGo's large-scale flight cancellations. Nearly 850 flights were canceled, prompting government directives to cap fares on affected routes and ensure passenger refunds are processed immediately. The ministry emphasized safety regulations, particularly Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) adherence, and highlighted the importance of crew management in avoiding network-wide disruptions.
Experts note that operational planning during peak periods is critical, as staffing gaps can exacerbate delays. IndiGo described the cancellations as part of a "planned reset" aimed at stabilizing its network, with the airline targeting over 1,500 flights by Saturday's end. The government has set fare limits depending on route distance, aiming to protect passengers from opportunistic pricing during the crisis.
Government Measures and Airline Response
The aviation ministry ordered airlines, including Air India and Air India Express, to cap economy fares and instructed IndiGo to clear all pending refunds by Sunday evening. Rescheduling penalties have been prohibited for affected passengers. Additionally, the government is mobilizing airport and airline support to assist vulnerable travelers such as seniors and medical patients. The surge in last-minute fares has been addressed by invoking fare caps, which exclude taxes and certain fees.
IndiGo is deploying extra flights and has committed to delivering stranded baggage within 48 hours, alongside providing compensation under passenger rights. The aviation authorities continue to monitor the situation with the goal of restoring full operational capacity, minimizing inconvenience for travelers, and preventing exploitation amid ongoing challenges.
