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Large scale flight cancellation of Indigo has increased the problems of passengers across the country. As the crisis escalated, the government considered the airline’s negligence serious and started a strict investigation. The Aviation Minister says that to handle India’s rapidly increasing air travel demand, at least five big airline operators are needed in the country.
New Delhi. Large scale flight cancellation of Indigo has created huge turmoil in the country’s aviation industry. During the discussion on this issue in Parliament, the Civil Aviation Minister clearly said that the government is taking this situation very seriously. This crisis arising from mismanagement of the new Pilot Rest Duty Rules (FDTL) has put thousands of passengers in trouble. According to the minister, at least five big airline operators are needed to handle the country’s growing air travel demand and the government is trying to bring more competition in the sector.
Government is strict, preparing to take major action against Indigo
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, the minister said that IndiGo’s negligence regarding the new FDTL guidelines has worsened the situation. He said that the airline did not indicate any crisis even in the meeting held on December 1, even though the new rules had come into effect a month earlier. The government has started an investigation into the matter and the minister indicated that strict action will be taken against IndiGo so that it can set an example for other airlines. The minister said, ‘We are not taking this situation lightly. Very strict action will be taken.
FDTL rules implemented, still why the disturbance?
The government said that out of the total 22 FDTL rules, 15 had already been implemented from July 1, 2025, while the remaining rules came into effect from November 1. Despite this, serious flaws came to light in IndiGo’s crew rostering system, due to which more than 2,000 flights were canceled or affected. DGCA has issued a show-cause notice to the airline’s CEO Peter Elbers and has also constituted a four-member committee, which will review the entire matter.
Consumers benefit from more competition
Emphasizing on India’s rapidly growing aviation market, the Minister said that the demand for air travel in the country is continuously increasing and there is a need for more airlines. He said that the government is encouraging new players so that competition increases and passengers can get better service. At the same time, IndiGo has formed its own Crisis Management Group to handle the situation, which is holding daily review meetings. The airline has also started processing refunds of the affected passengers.
