IndiGo's Flight Fiasco: Regulatory Alarm and Turbulence Ahead

India's largest airline, IndiGo, faces intense scrutiny after cancelling thousands of flights due to a pilot shortage and new work-hour regulations. The crisis has prompted government intervention, fare caps, and criticism from pilot groups, as IndiGo struggles to maintain its market dominance and return to normal operations.

India's aviation authorities have issued a stern warning to airline IndiGo after it canceled thousands of flights over the past week, leaving travelers stranded and causing a spike in ticket prices. The crisis stems from a shortage of pilots and insufficient preparation for new work-hour regulations.

Ravinder Singh Jamwal of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has held IndiGo's CEO, Pieter Elbers, accountable for the disruptions, demanding a response within 24 hours. In reaction to the crisis, the Indian government has capped airfares and arranged supplementary transport, while IndiGo continues to face operational setbacks.

As December marks a peak travel season, the airline claims it will stabilize operations by mid-December. However, pilot associations criticize the temporary exemptions granted to IndiGo, underscoring safety concerns and challenging the airline's crisis management strategy.

(With inputs from agencies.)