IndiGo Flight Cancellations Continue as CEO Faces DGCA Scrutiny

IndiGo Airlines continues to experience significant operational disruptions, marking the tenth consecutive day of flight cancellations affecting numerous passengers across India. On December 10, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) summoned IndiGo Chief Executive Officer Pieter Elbers to address the ongoing crisis, which has seen over 200 flights cancelled, particularly impacting major airports such as Delhi and Bengaluru.

The DGCA has responded to the escalating situation by establishing a dedicated Oversight Team stationed at IndiGo's corporate office in Gurugram. This team, comprising two government officers and two senior pilots, is tasked with monitoring the airline's daily operations, including cancellation rates and refund processes. This initiative was deemed necessary to mitigate the widespread inconvenience faced by passengers due to the airline's operational failures.

"We are taking this issue seriously and have implemented measures to improve our operational reliability," stated a DGCA representative. Elbers is scheduled to provide a comprehensive report detailing the disruptions to the DGCA by 3:00 PM on December 11.

The turmoil within IndiGo has been attributed to a confluence of factors, including the introduction of new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) regulations, which necessitate longer rest periods for crew members, and adverse weather conditions that have exacerbated the situation. IndiGo's Chairman, Vikram Singh Mehta, acknowledged the challenges and mentioned that external technical experts would be engaged to assist in identifying the root causes of the disruptions.

As a form of compensation, IndiGo has announced travel vouchers worth ₹10,000 for passengers severely affected by the cancellations. The airline has also implemented procedures to ensure that affected customers are informed promptly about their flight statuses.

"We are committed to restoring normalcy in our operations and ensuring that our passengers receive the support they need during this challenging time," Mehta added in a video message released via social media.

In light of these developments, the Civil Aviation Minister has stated that the government will consider imposing capacity restrictions on IndiGo if the airline fails to present a stabilisation plan for its operations. Meanwhile, the DGCA has intensified its scrutiny, requiring IndiGo to submit daily operational reports as it navigates this crisis.

The disruptions began on December 5, when ten IndiGo flights were cancelled, followed by a series of further cancellations over the next few days. However, recent reports indicate a gradual improvement in the situation, with fewer cancellations noted on December 10 and 11.

Officials at Dibrugarh Airport reported that while the number of cancellations has reduced, ongoing monitoring and assistance for passengers remain a priority. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has been actively coordinating with IndiGo to ensure passenger convenience and effective management of operations during this turbulent period.

As the situation develops, passengers are encouraged to check flight statuses and reach out for assistance via the airline's customer service channels. The AAI has also set up a control room to provide real-time updates to those affected by the disruptions.