Civil Aviation Ministry Directs Immediate Measures for IndiGo Flight Stability
Immediate Actions for Flight Stability
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has instructed airlines, particularly IndiGo, to implement urgent measures to resolve significant disruptions in flight schedules and stabilize services without delays. Two directives have been issued to address public concerns and restore service reliability, especially for IndiGo. The orders state, "It is expected that by midnight today, all flight schedules will stabilize and begin to normalize; full services and stability should return in the coming days; passengers can monitor delays, if any, through the information systems established by IndiGo and others; in case of flight cancellations, IndiGo will ensure automatic full refunds for tickets."
Support for Stranded Passengers
The directive further mentions that passengers who find themselves stranded will be accommodated in hotels booked by the airlines. Special measures have been taken to ensure that senior citizens face no inconvenience; they will have access to lounge facilities, and refreshments along with other essentials will be provided to passengers with delayed flights. A 24x7 control room from the Ministry of Civil Aviation is continuously monitoring the situation.
Government's Vigilance on Passenger Issues
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has emphasized that the central government is fully alert to the issues faced by air travelers and is in constant consultation with all stakeholders. The statement further noted that every possible measure will be taken to restore flight timings and alleviate public issues, including exemptions announced by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday.
Full Refund Offer Amid Disruptions
In light of the ongoing disruptions to flights across India, IndiGo announced on Friday that it would offer full refunds for all flights canceled between December 5 and 15, which will be processed automatically through the original payment method. In a post on social media, the airline also mentioned that it has provided complete waivers for cancellations or rescheduling during this period and has arranged meals and snacks at airports, along with thousands of hotel rooms and ground transportation options to minimize passenger inconvenience.
Temporary Exemption for Crew Duty Rules
Earlier today, the DGCA granted IndiGo Airlines a one-time temporary exemption from specific crew duty regulations to help stabilize flight operations and reduce passenger distress. The regulator stated that this exemption covers night duty provisions until 0650 hours and modifies the Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) under Civil Aviation Requirements Section 7 Series J Part III Amendment 2, which applies to the airline's A320 fleet and is valid until February 10, 2026.