New Delhi, Dec 7 (NationPress) Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu announced on Sunday that measures have been put in place to mitigate further complications for travelers amid the current turmoil of cancellations and delays affecting IndiGo.

He emphasized that any required stringent action against the airline will follow an investigation. Additionally, the Ministry has instituted a nationwide cap on domestic airfares to counter the steep and sudden increase in ticket prices resulting from significant disruptions at IndiGo.

In an exclusive dialogue with IANS, Naidu conveyed that IndiGo is obligated to process all refunds by 8 p.m. on Sunday, and that baggage claim requests should be resolved within the subsequent 48 hours.

Below are excerpts from the interview:

IANS: The ongoing cancellations and flight interruptions at IndiGo are presenting challenges for passengers. When will this situation be rectified? What actions has the Ministry undertaken?

Ram Mohan Naidu: We have been actively addressing this matter for the past three days, working in coordination with IndiGo, airport authorities, and other relevant stakeholders. Our primary goal has been to minimize inconvenience for passengers at airports and for those planning to travel.

I can assure you that operations at all airports have largely returned to normal today. You can observe that the situation has stabilized, although IndiGo has temporarily scaled back some of its operations. We have instructed them to normalize operations expeditiously.

We are also keen on keeping airfares stable. We have released a directive regarding fare structures, which should correlate with the distance traveled. We have issued stringent orders concerning this.

The Ministry has enacted strict measures regarding baggage claims and refunds. We have directed IndiGo to ensure all refunds are processed by 8 p.m. on Sunday.

All baggage claim requests are to be addressed within 48 hours. Our foremost priority is the passengers, and we are striving diligently to ensure they encounter no difficulties.

IANS: What steps will be taken against IndiGo? Passengers feel that the airline has breached their trust. How do you perceive this?

Ram Mohan Naidu: We are in the process of conducting a thorough investigation into IndiGo. We will undertake any necessary actions with utmost care. The Ministry has also established a four-member team for this purpose.

IANS: Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi has remarked that you are fostering a monopoly model in the airline industry and stifling fair competition. What is your response to this?

Ram Mohan Naidu: He should recognize that this issue should not be politicized; it is a matter concerning the public. Regarding monopoly, the aviation sector flourishes with maximum competition. We promote competition and welcome more participants into the aviation sector, which is currently experiencing high demand.