India’s largest airline, IndiGo, says it has “normalised” operations after cancelling more than 3,000 flights last week due to what officials described as poor pilot roster planning, a crisis that left thousands of passengers stranded.
This came as authorities ordered IndiGo to cut 10% of its winter schedule – double the reduction first announced – a move that could see more than 200 daily flights cancelled.
Federal Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said the ministry “considers it necessary to curtail the overall IndiGo routes” to help restore stability.
He added that despite the 10% cut, “IndiGo will continue to cover all its destinations as before”.
The airline has also been ordered to submit its revised flight schedule to the regulator by Wednesday.
IndiGo operates over 2,200 flights daily and controls more than 60% of India’s domestic market.
Aviation analysts told the BBC slashing 10% of IndiGo’s daily capacity may worsen India’s aviation crisis in the weeks to come, as other airlines like Air India or SpiceJet do not have spare capacity.
“The government’s move may benefit passengers in the long term but for now they might have to pay more,” Sanat Kaul, an analyst, told the BBC.
India’s aviation ministry summoned IndiGo CEO Peter Elbers on Tuesday to explain how the airline was addressing the crisis and handling passenger complaints.
In a video note posted on X on Tuesday, Mr Elbers said that the airline has “fully stabilised” its operations.
IndiGo’s shares have lost 15% since 1 December as investors fear rising costs from operational disruptions and higher crew expenses under the new rules.
Aviation Analyst Mark Martin said he expects IndiGo to face “more penalties for its actions” in the days ahead.
The carrier has been instructed to cap fares, expedite refunds and quicken baggage handover to affected customers.
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Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: BBC
