What Caused the Major Disruption in Air Travel?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Major disruptions in air travel have stranded thousands.
- IndiGo canceled over 220 flights recently.
- The Parliamentary panel is seeking explanations from airline executives.
- Refund processes are underway for affected passengers.
- Future measures are necessary to prevent similar occurrences.
New Delhi, Dec 7 (NationPress) A significant disruption in air travel across the nation has led a Parliamentary panel to contemplate summoning high-ranking officials from private airlines and senior representatives from the aviation regulatory body. Thousands of travelers were left stranded after IndiGo canceled a substantial number of flights in the last six days.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture, chaired by JD(U) leader Sanjay Jha, is likely to invite senior executives from airlines and officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
The committee aims to ascertain the reasons behind the cancellations and what measures are being implemented to avert such occurrences in the future.
A member of the committee expressed deep concern regarding the inconvenience faced by countless travelers.
Even several Members of Parliament, who were in Delhi for the Winter Session, experienced disruptions due to IndiGo's cancellations and delays from other airlines.
According to the committee member, numerous MPs also received complaints from the public about a sudden spike in airfares owing to the ongoing disruptions.
On Sunday alone, IndiGo canceled over 220 flights at Delhi and Mumbai airports as the crisis persisted for the sixth consecutive day.
The DGCA has already issued notices to IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers and COO Porqueras, demanding an explanation for the extensive disruptions.
IndiGo, in a statement on Sunday, announced that the Board of InterGlobe Aviation, its parent company, has established a Crisis Management Group to closely monitor the situation.
The company stated that the group convenes regularly, and the Board of Directors is committed to taking all necessary steps to assist affected passengers.
IndiGo has assured that refunds are being processed and efforts are being made to stabilize flight operations as quickly as possible.