Government to Cut IndiGo Winter Flight Schedule and Reallocate Slots to Other Carriers

IndiGo Flight Crisis: Aviation Ministry to Reduce IndiGo Routes as Penalty for Recent Operational Failures

Following the recent cancellations and delays caused by the IndiGo flights across the country, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered the carrier to cancel around 115 flights. 

The airline company cited crew shortage, technical glitches, peak travel season, lack of planning, and New Pilot Rest Rules (FDTL Norms) as some of the major reasons for the inconvenience.

Reallocation of Slots and Passenger Compensation

Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu declared that the government will curtail IndiGo's winter flight schedule. This decision follows the airline's recent large-scale operational disruptions. The routes and slots cut from IndiGo, which currently operates 2,200 flights, will be allocated to other carriers.

This measure is intended to stabilize the aviation system. Minister Naidu also shared that refunds worth Rs. 745 crore have been given for 7,30,655 cancelled PNRs from December 1 to  December 8. The government issued an ultimatum to IndiGo to ensure the quick redressal of grievances.

The airline stated that Rs. 826 crore in reimbursements have been released. Additonally, it has returned 4,500 of the 9,000 pieces of delayed baggage. The remaining bags were scheduled for delivery soon. The Ministry also imposed immediate fare caps on affected routes for other airlines.

Reasons for the Operational Disruption and Government Inquiry

IndiGo attributed the operational collapse to a series of overlapping challenges. This included minor technology issues, implementation of new crew rostering rules (Flight Duty Time Limitations, or FDTL), adverse weather conditions, and increased congestion in the aviation system. 

The airline also admitted that planning gaps and a misjudgment in estimating crew needs under the new norms were also responsible for causing the widespread disruptions. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) served a show-cause notice to IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers. The DGCA indicated that such widespread operational failures showed significant lapses in planning, oversight, and resource management.

Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu later blamed the airline entirely for the crisis. He cited anomalies and mismanagement in IndiGo’s internal crew roster system. The government has initiated an inquiry and promised strict action against the airline.