Massive Flight Disruptions
IndiGo, one of India's leading airlines, faced a significant operational crisis, resulting in numerous flight cancellations. Nearly 220 flights were canceled
at three major airports. This crisis caused widespread disruptions for passengers, leading to delays, denied boarding, and significant inconvenience. The situation sparked a wave of reactions from passengers, the government, and regulatory bodies. The Delhi High Court took up a plea filed against IndiGo, highlighting the severity of the situation and the urgent need for action. Several airports, including those in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Delhi, and Bengaluru, were among the most affected by the disruptions. Passengers were left waiting at airports, with some visuals from Guwahati airport showing the extent of the chaos.
Government & DGCA Response
In response to the escalating crisis, the government and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) took several measures to address the situation. The DGCA formed an oversight panel to monitor the airline's operations and ensure adherence to safety and operational standards. The civil aviation ministry ordered IndiGo to curtail its operations by 10%. The DGCA summoned IndiGo's chief to appear before them. An on-site inspection of 11 airports was also initiated by DGCA officials to assess the ground situation. The Delhi High Court questioned the government about the actions taken in response to the crisis, indicating a need for more proactive measures. Two DGCA panel officers are to be permanently stationed at IndiGo's Gurugram office to maintain continuous oversight.
Impact & Passenger Concerns
The flight cancellations and delays caused considerable hardship for passengers. Over 40,000 passengers were affected at Mumbai airport alone, since December 1. Passengers faced denied boarding, and many were stranded at airports. The situation led to expressions of concern from various stakeholders, including political figures who criticized the government's handling of the crisis. Airline officials apologized and attributed the disruptions to various factors. IATA chief stated that the new flight norms appeared to be much more restrictive. The DGCA also directed IndiGo to submit a new schedule, indicating a need for the airline to realign its operations. The Delhi High Court is hearing urgent petitions on the airline crisis, reflecting the importance of addressing passenger grievances.
Airline Actions & Outlook
IndiGo took steps to mitigate the impact of the disruptions and to communicate its plans to the authorities. The airline sent a revised schedule with reduced winter flights to the DGCA. The airline's operations were back to 90% of their capacity. The Chairman of IndiGo addressed claims surrounding the disruptions, providing context for the issues. Despite these efforts, challenges remained, with pilots' body officials raising concerns about roster norm exemptions posing safety risks. The government's actions, including ordering a cut in operations, are designed to ensure operational stability. SpiceJet is planning to add 100 daily flights after the government asked IndiGo to cut down schedule.
