Is the Govt Urgently Working to Restore Normalcy After the IndiGo Crisis?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The IndiGo airline has faced significant operational challenges.
- The government is actively working to restore normalcy.
- Passengers affected by delays will receive accommodations and refunds.
- A high-level inquiry will review the disruptions.
- Indian Railways is adding coaches to assist travelers.
New Delhi, Dec 6 (NationPress) While IndiGo continues to experience operational challenges for the fifth day in a row, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Mridul Mohol has emphasized that the government is addressing the situation with utmost urgency to bring back normal operations.
The airline has canceled a staggering 405 domestic flights amidst this ongoing crisis, primarily due to an unforeseen shortage of pilots linked to planning errors.
In a statement on social media platform X, Mohol outlined the steps being taken as the “government is working with full urgency to restore normalcy”, as numerous passengers endure significant hardships at various airports nationwide.
“The Central Government has taken very serious note of the disruptions affecting passengers due to IndiGo’s service issues. The FDTL (Flight Duty Time Limitations) regulations of the DGCA have been suspended immediately. All necessary measures are being taken without compromising air safety, prioritizing the interests of passengers,” said the MoS.
“A 24×7 control room has been set up at the Ministry for real-time monitoring. The Government of India has initiated a high-level investigation into the disruptions,” he further added.
This inquiry aims to pinpoint the failures within the airline, establish accountability where needed, and propose strategies to avert similar issues in the future—ensuring that passengers do not encounter such difficulties again.
Mohol expressed optimism that “flight operations will stabilize in the coming days and return to complete normalcy promptly.”
Previously, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu mentioned that airlines have been directed to issue regular and accurate updates through improved online systems, allowing passengers to check real-time flight information from home.
“In cases of flight cancellations, airlines will automatically issue full refunds without requiring passengers to request them. Those stranded due to extensive delays will be provided accommodation arranged directly by the airlines,” added the minister.
Meanwhile, to assist the affected passengers, Indian Railways has increased its train capacities by adding more coaches to accommodate the surge of travelers.
The Railway Ministry announced in a press release that it is deploying 116 additional coaches across 37 premium trains, covering 114 enhanced trips nationwide.