IndiGo's Flight Schedule Cut: Government Takes Action

The Indian government has taken a significant step by ordering IndiGo Airlines to reduce its flight schedule by 10%. This decision comes as a response to ongoing disruptions and numerous flight cancellations that have been impacting passengers across the country. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had initially mandated a 5% reduction, but the government felt that doubling this cut was necessary to stabilize operations.

IndiGo, which dominates the Indian aviation market with nearly 65% of domestic flights, operates over 2,300 flights daily. This means that reducing the schedule by 10% will bring its operational domestic flights down to less than 1,950 each day. The Civil Aviation Minister, K Rammohan Naidu, stated that this move is essential for stabilizing the airline's operations and reducing the number of cancellations experienced recently.

In recent weeks, many passengers have faced severe inconvenience due to IndiGo's internal mismanagement of crew rosters and flight schedules. The Minister emphasized the need for the airline to improve its communication and operational management. IndiGo's CEO, Pieter Elbers, was summoned to the Ministry of Civil Aviation to discuss updates on the airline's efforts to stabilize its services.

Despite the challenges, IndiGo announced that operations have now stabilized, and it maintained over 1,800 flights on a recent Tuesday. The airline aims to gradually increase its daily flights back to normal levels while complying with the government's directive. IndiGo has also committed to processing refunds for affected flights expeditiously, addressing passengers' concerns regarding delays and lost baggage.

Earlier this year, the DGCA had initiated a 5% flight schedule cut due to operational constraints. However, the recent spike in cancellations has prompted a reevaluation, leading to the current 10% directive. The airline's crew shortages, attributed to the new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) regulations, have exacerbated the situation. These new rules require airlines to provide more rest for pilots, which has created additional operational challenges for IndiGo.

The government and the DGCA have stated that they will continue to monitor IndiGo's operations closely. An inquiry has been launched to investigate the causes of the disruption, and the DGCA has issued show-cause notices to IndiGo's top executives. The Minister has indicated that strict actions will follow based on the inquiry's findings, highlighting the government's commitment to ensuring accountable and efficient airline operations.

As the airline navigates these turbulent times, the focus remains on restoring passenger confidence and improving operational reliability. With the government's intervention, IndiGo is expected to take the necessary steps to stabilize its services and fulfill its obligations to travelers across India.