Supreme Court Declines Urgent Hearing on IndiGo Flight Cancellations Amidst Passenger Struggles

Supreme Court's Response to Flight Cancellations

New Delhi: On Monday, the Supreme Court declined to expedite a hearing regarding a petition that sought judicial intervention concerning the cancellation of numerous IndiGo flights. The court noted that the government is aware of the situation and is taking appropriate measures to resolve it.

The Chief Justice, Surya Kant, acknowledged the serious nature of the issue, highlighting that many individuals are currently stranded at various airports.

"This is a significant concern. We understand that many people are stuck at airports and that the Indian government has acted promptly to address the matter. We are aware that passengers may face health issues and other urgent matters," he stated, leading a bench that included Justice Joymalya Bagchi.

A lawyer brought the situation to the court's attention, mentioning the extensive flight cancellations by IndiGo in recent days, which have caused considerable distress for travelers.

"Passengers are not being informed about the cancellations," he remarked, noting that approximately 2,500 flights are delayed across 95 airports nationwide.

Reports indicate that over 250 IndiGo flights were canceled on Monday alone, as the airline's operational disruptions extended into their seventh consecutive day.

At Delhi airport, 134 flights were canceled, comprising 75 departures and 59 arrivals, while Bengaluru airport saw 117 cancellations, including 65 arrivals and 62 departures.

IndiGo has faced criticism from both the government and passengers due to the mass cancellations since December 2, attributing the disruptions to regulatory changes affecting pilots' duty and operational norms. This situation has left countless travelers stranded at airports throughout the country.