IndiGo Crisis: ‘Action Will Set an Example for Entire Aviation Sector,’ Says Minister Ram Mohan Naidu

New Delhi: After the cancellation of IndiGo flights, the central government has imposed standard restrictions related to fare and refund so that passengers do not have to face any kind of exploitation. Meanwhile, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has said that this 'mismanagement' of IndiGo is not acceptable. He has announced the constitution of a high-level investigation committee, which will go to the bottom of the entire matter and identify the culprits. Besides, the regulatory body DGCA has also sent a show cause notice to the CEO of the company. 

Why did Ram Mohan Naidu take a tough stance?

Following IndiGo's operational crisis, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu is continuously monitoring the situation. The chaos caused by the cancellation of thousands of flights forced the ministry to immediately intervene. He said that action will ‘set an example for the entire aviation sector. Naidu clearly said that airlines cannot act arbitrarily by taking advantage of the compulsion of passengers. For this reason, he issued an order to curb fares and tighten refund rules. He also said that the ministry was continuously receiving complaints, after which they had to take this step.

Minister's message: 'Safety and convenience of passengers is our priority'

Naidu said in his statement that the passengers affected by the cancellation of flights should get all possible relief. He has instructed the officials that any negligence on the part of the airlines will not be tolerated. This is the reason why DGCA has also been activated and answers have been sought from Indigo management. Naidu also indicated that the government would not shy away from taking more stringent measures, if necessary. It is clear from his stance that the Ministry is now going to be more strict than before regarding “fare discipline” and “passenger rights” in the aviation sector.

What happened to Flights?

IndiGo's crew planning went awry after the implementation of the new pilot duty-time rules (FDTL). As a result, flights were canceled in many cities. Hub airports like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru were affected. From 4–5 December, more than 800 to 1,000 flights were reported canceled in one day alone. Due to this, thousands of passengers remained stranded at the airport. 

What decision did the Center take regarding putting brakes on fares?

Now the government has decided that the fare (airfare) will not be increased arbitrarily. A fare cap has been implemented, which prohibits fares from going above the fixed fare. Passengers will receive immediate refunds for canceled flights, and there will be no rescheduling fees. The ministry has assured “immediate action” against airlines not following these instructions. 

What are the expectations of passengers?

Many travelers were left in dire straits due to suddenly canceled flights—not only with their bus tickets ruined but also with their plans completely derailed. Travel cancellations, long lines, uncertainty—all of it left us breathless. However, the government's step of setting the refund cap is providing some relief. At the same time, the Railway Ministry has also decided to increase special trains to help so that the passengers can get alternative travel till the air traffic stabilizes. 

What will happen next?

Now everyone's eyes are on the airlines' investigation report—it remains to be seen what kind of punishment or corrective action the DGCA and the government decide. At the same time, the biggest goal now is to restore the balance between the safety of passengers, the preparedness of airlines, and the regulatory system.