The Centre has ordered a high-level inquiry into the IndiGo disruption that stranded thousands nationwide. The government expects complete normalcy within three days, with emergency measures, passenger support, and active monitoring to restore airline operations swiftly and prevent future crises.
The Central government on Friday announced a high-level inquiry into the widespread disruption of IndiGo Airlines operations, a crisis that left thousands of passengers stranded across airports nationwide. The investigation aims to determine the root causes of the breakdown, identify accountability wherever necessary, and recommend robust preventive measures to ensure passengers are never subjected to similar hardships again.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu addressed the media with a detailed statement, confirming that the government has taken “urgent and proactive steps” to stabilise the situation. According to him, while significant disruptions continued through the day, flight schedules are expected to begin stabilising by Saturday, with full restoration of services likely within the next three days.
Government Steps In After Nationwide Airline Meltdown
The unprecedented operational collapse triggered long queues, cancellations, and severe delays across major airports, causing distress especially among elderly flyers, students, patients, and time-sensitive travellers. Recognising the escalating chaos, the Ministry of Civil Aviation initiated several corrective measures to minimise passenger discomfort while ensuring safety standards remain uncompromised.
The minister emphasized that the Centre’s priority is to restore normal flight operations swiftly while maintaining transparency with passengers. “We are committed to ensuring that no traveller feels abandoned or uninformed during this difficult period,” he said.
Full Refunds and Hotel Accommodation for Affected Passengers
To support affected travellers, the government has issued direct instructions to all airlines, especially IndiGo, to implement stricter passenger-care measures. These include:
Automatic full refunds in case of cancellations, without requiring passengers to submit requests.
Hotel accommodation arranged by airlines for passengers stranded due to prolonged delays.
Enhanced real-time communication systems, enabling passengers to check live flight updates from home.
Airlines have been told to update their digital platforms regularly and ensure that no passenger remains unaware of schedule changes or cancellations.
Flight Duty Time Limitations Temporarily Suspended
In an exceptional move, the ministry has placed the Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) orders of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in abeyance with immediate effect. This temporary measure aims to increase crew availability to stabilise operations.
However, the minister clarified that safety remains paramount. “This decision has been taken solely in the interest of passengers,” he said, stressing that no shortcuts will be taken that could compromise air safety.
24×7 Government Control Room to Monitor Developing Crisis
To ensure rapid response and coordination across agencies, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has set up a round-the-clock control room. This special unit is monitoring real-time data on flight movements, passenger flow, operational constraints, and airline manpower availability.
The control room is tasked with:
Identifying emerging bottlenecks
Coordinating between airlines, airports, and regulatory authorities
Ensuring smooth implementation of emergency measures
Facilitating faster response to passenger grievances
Officials said the government aims to ensure that no operational gap is left unchecked.
High-Level Inquiry to Fix Accountability
The newly announced high-level inquiry will investigate:
What triggered the massive disruption at IndiGo
Whether operational mismanagement, internal disputes, or manpower shortages were involved
If regulatory norms were ignored or misinterpreted
How response mechanisms failed to prevent escalation
The probe panel will submit recommendations to strengthen India’s civil aviation ecosystem and prevent future system-wide breakdowns. Accountability will be fixed wherever negligence or oversight is identified.
Passengers Hopeful as Government Intervention Ramps Up
While the crisis caused widespread frustration, many passengers expressed relief that the government has stepped in with decisive measures. Airports across major cities are gradually seeing improved coordination, though full normalcy is still at least two to three days away.
| Also Read: IndiGo cancels All Delhi Flights amid Severe Operational Crisis |
With airlines instructed to prioritise transparency, safety, and accommodation for stranded passengers, authorities remain optimistic that the situation will stabilise soon.
