Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has issued a stern warning to IndiGo Airlines amid the recent flight disruptions, stating that action against the carrier will be taken and not merely considered. The minister pointed to IndiGos mismanagement of pilot duty schedules following the enforcement of new DGCA Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms as the primary cause of the mass cancellations and delays that affected thousands of passengers across the country.

Starting December 3, IndiGo faced a severe operational crisis due to the airline’s inability to comply with updated duty time regulations intended to enhance pilot safety and reduce fatigue. While other carriers like Air India and SpiceJet adjusted without major issues, IndiGo’s failure to prepare led to over 1,000 flight cancellations and widespread passenger distress in major airports including Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai.

The government has implemented temporary relief measures, including a relaxation of the FDTL rules exclusively for IndiGo to help stabilize flight operations. The Civil Aviation Ministry has also prohibited fare hikes amid the crisis and ordered a high-level investigation to determine accountability. “Those responsible must pay,” Naidu emphasized, underscoring the seriousness of the governments intent to hold the airline accountable.

The disruptions have raised broader concerns about market dominance, as IndiGo operates nearly 70% of domestic flights, prompting parliamentary debates on aviation monopolies. The episode serves as a critical reminder for the airline industry to proactively plan for regulatory changes and maintain operational resilience. Passengers are advised to monitor flight statuses closely and take precautionary measures when booking travel during such periods of transition. The government expects IndiGo to restore normal operations by mid-December while continuing to safeguard passenger interests throughout the crisis. This situation highlights the importance of balancing regulatory reforms with operational readiness to avoid large-scale disruptions in Indias vital domestic aviation sector.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.