The central government has taken a firm stance on the ongoing Indigo airline crisis, issuing strict directives four days after the initial disruptions began. On Saturday, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) instructed Indigo to process full refunds for all cancelled tickets by Sunday night at 8 PM, while Also, the airline has been ordered to return all passenger luggage within 48 hours, aiming to alleviate the significant inconvenience faced by thousands of stranded travelers. This decisive action comes as Indigo's operations continued to be severely.
Affected for the fifth consecutive day, leading to widespread frustration among passengers.
In response to reports of other airlines Notably hiking fares—some by as much as tenfold—amidst the Indigo crisis, the government has implemented a crucial measure to protect consumers. The government has fixed maximum airfares for various distances to prevent exploitation. Under the new regulations, air travel up to 500 kilometers will now cost a maximum of ₹7,500. For distances between 500 and 1000 kilometers, the fare is capped at ₹12,000, while journeys between 1000 and 1500 kilometers won't exceed ₹15,000, and for travel beyond 1500 kilometers, the maximum fare will be ₹18,000. It's important to note that these fixed fares don't apply to business class travel, while this intervention is designed to ensure that air travel remains accessible and affordable, even during periods of operational disruption.
Indigo's Persistent Operational Challenges
Indigo's operations showed no significant improvement on Saturday, marking the fifth consecutive day of disruptions, while according to news agency PTI, over 400 Indigo flights were cancelled from major airports across the country, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru, among several other cities. Over the past four days, more than 2,000 flights have been cancelled in total, severely disrupting the travel plans of countless passengers. Plus, an average of 500 flights are experiencing daily delays, leading to prolonged waiting times and uncertainty for travelers. This ongoing situation presents a substantial challenge for the airline and continues to fuel passenger discontent.
DGCA's New FDTL Rules and Staff Shortage
The primary reason cited for Indigo's staff shortage is the implementation of new regulations by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), known as 'Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL)'. These rules are designed to enhance passenger safety by ensuring adequate rest for pilots and other crew members. The DGCA introduced significant changes to the working regulations for pilots and crew members, which came into effect from November 1st. These changes were implemented in two phases, with the first phase becoming effective on July 1st and the second phase on November 1st. The stricter requirements for crew rest under these new rules have led to a reduction in the available pool of pilots and crew members, causing a significant staff shortage for large airlines like Indigo, which operate extensive networks.
Temporary Relief from DGCA
Recognizing the challenges posed by the staff shortage, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has provided temporary relief to airlines, particularly Indigo, until February 10, 2026. The DGCA has withdrawn its earlier decision that prohibited airlines. From substituting weekly rest with any other form of leave. This measure is expected to offer airlines greater flexibility in managing their crew schedules and is anticipated to alleviate the staff shortage to some extent, while this temporary relief aims to provide airlines with additional time to adapt to the new FDTL regulations and normalize their operations while ensuring safety standards are maintained.
Indigo's Statement and Improvement Efforts
Indigo airline issued a statement on Saturday, asserting that they're continuously working to normalize their flight operations, while the airline claimed that the number of flight cancellations is gradually improving. According to their statement, fewer than 850 flights were cancelled on Saturday, which they highlighted as a significant reduction compared to the previous day, while indigo expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers and assured them that all possible efforts are being made to normalize the situation as quickly as possible. Despite these assurances, passengers continue to face considerable difficulties.
Demand for CBI Investigation
Amidst the widespread flight cancellations and passenger distress across the country, Nitin Jadhav, President of the Indian Association Council of Aviation, has called for a CBI investigation into the entire matter. Jadhav alleged that the Indigo management is solely responsible for the current situation, not the pilots. He further claimed that the DGCA is also complicit with Indigo, suggesting a hidden agenda behind the crisis. Jadhav accused the DGCA of failing to perform its duties effectively and emphasized the need for an impartial investigation. This demand underscores the seriousness of the crisis and points towards potential irregularities that warrant a thorough inquiry.
