Civil Aviation Ministry Rebukes IndiGo, Orders Strict Oversight After Major Operational Breakdown
Union Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu chairs a high-level review meeting late on Thursday to assess the situation and direct corrective measures.
New Delhi, December 5: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has taken strong exception to widespread flight disruptions across IndiGo’s network, with Union Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu chairing a high-level review meeting late on Thursday to assess the situation and direct corrective measures. Senior officials from the ministry, DGCA, the Airports Authority of India, and IndiGo’s top management attended the meeting.
IndiGo briefed the ministry on the scale of cancellations and attributed the operational disruption to crew-planning challenges linked to the phased implementation of revised Flight Duty Time Limitations, alongside seasonal weather constraints. The new FDTL norms were introduced in accordance with court directions to strengthen fatigue management and enhance flight safety.
Expressing clear displeasure over how the airline handled the situation, the minister noted that IndiGo had adequate preparatory time to transition to the updated safety regulations. He instructed the airline to stabilise operations urgently and emphasised that fares must not be raised because of the ongoing disruptions.
The minister directed IndiGo to alert passengers well in advance about potential cancellations and ensure all required passenger facilities — including hotel accommodation where necessary — are provided without delay. He also asked the Airports Authority of India to ensure that airport directors continuously monitor ground conditions and extend support to stranded travellers.
MoCA has asked all stakeholders — including airports, ATC authorities and other airlines — to coordinate closely to restore normal operations. DGCA officers have been deployed to IndiGo’s operational control centres for real-time oversight. The regulator will conduct on-ground inspections at major airports with particular focus on passenger-handling protocols and timely communication during delays.
The ministry said it remains committed to protecting passenger rights and ensuring safe, reliable air travel, adding that IndiGo’s recovery measures will continue to be monitored until full normalcy is achieved.
