IndiGo Crisis Triggers Government Warning: Civil Aviation Minister Promises Strict Action After Flight Cancellations

As IndiGo endeavors to reinstate complete operational capability following crew shortages that created widespread disruption at airports throughout India, Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu has issued a stern warning of stringent measures against the airline to "set an example" for other carriers.

Addressing the Rajya Sabha, the minister explained that the disruption resulting in hundreds of cancelled flights and thousands of stranded travelers stemmed from IndiGo's "internal crisis" after new passenger safety regulations were implemented.

"We prioritize pilots, crew and passengers. We communicated clearly with all airlines. IndiGo was responsible for managing their crew and roster. Passengers experienced significant hardships. We are treating this situation with utmost seriousness. We will implement strict measures. We intend to establish a precedent for every airline. Any non-compliance will result in action," he informed the House. The government has launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

The minister also expressed the government's desire to attract more participants to the aviation industry, stating that India has capacity for five major airlines. Opposition members, dissatisfied with the minister's statement, walked out in protest.

The minister's comments follow several days of disruption, confusion and disappointment at airports nationwide as numerous IndiGo flights were cancelled, disrupting wedding arrangements, vacations and professional commitments.

The core issue involves new flight safety regulations announced by the government approximately two years ago. These regulations addressed pilot fatigue, a significant factor in aviation accidents, by increasing mandatory rest periods. Implementing these rules required airlines to employ additional pilots.

IndiGo, which operates 2,200 daily flights and has historically emphasized minimizing downtime, experienced crew shortages when the new regulations took effect. This resulted in hundreds of cancellations and difficulties for travelers.

As conditions worsened, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the industry regulator, temporarily relaxed the new requirements.

The IndiGo situation has prompted Opposition parties to highlight concerns about the duopolistic structure of Indian aviation, with IndiGo and Air India controlling most market share. The government has maintained that it consistently encourages new entrants to the sector.