Why Are Thousands of Travelers Stranded? Parliamentary Panel to Question Airline Executives

Parliamentary Inquiry into IndiGo Flight Cancellations

New Delhi: A Parliamentary committee is set to call in senior officials from private airlines and the civil aviation authority regarding the recent mass cancellations of IndiGo flights, which have left numerous passengers stranded at airports nationwide.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism, and Culture, led by JD(U) member Sanjay Jha, is expected to demand clarifications from airline executives and representatives from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation about the reasons behind the service disruptions and potential remedies.

A committee member expressed concern over the significant challenges faced by thousands of travelers due to the ongoing air service interruptions.

Even members of parliament, attending the Winter Session in the capital, experienced the fallout from IndiGo's flight cancellations and delays from other carriers, according to the committee member.

Several MPs have also reported receiving complaints about soaring airfares amid this situation.

In a related development, CPI(M) Rajya Sabha member John Brittas, who is not part of the transport committee, has called for the establishment of a joint parliamentary committee or a judicial investigation into the widespread flight disruptions.

IndiGo has canceled over 220 flights at Delhi and Mumbai airports, marking the sixth consecutive day of disruptions, although efforts are underway to restore normal operations.

On Saturday, the aviation regulator, DGCA, issued notices to IndiGo's CEO Pieter Elbers and COO Porqueras, requesting explanations.

In a statement released on Sunday, IndiGo announced that its parent company, Interglobe Aviation, has formed a Crisis Management Group that convenes regularly to oversee the situation. The company's Board of Directors is committed to addressing the challenges faced by customers and ensuring refunds for affected passengers.