IndiGo's Operational Crisis: 500 Flights Cancelled Amidst Regulatory Challenges

IndiGo, a domestic airline, has cancelled 500 flights due to regulatory changes affecting flight duty norms for pilots. The crisis has led to a backlog, with 9,000 misplaced bags, only half of which have been returned to passengers. The issue has affected thousands of passengers and prompted government scrutiny.

Struggling domestic airline IndiGo has cancelled 500 flights and will operate 1,802 services on Monday, the civil aviation ministry announced. The disruptions are attributed to regulatory modifications in pilots' flight duties.

Amidst the chaos, the airline managed to return 4,500 out of 9,000 misplaced bags to passengers, with a commitment to deliver the remaining luggage within 36 hours. The situation has escalated, affecting large numbers of travelers and drawing criticism.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued show-cause notices to IndiGo's CEO Pieter Elbers and COO Isidro Porqueras, demanding explanations by Monday evening. Cancellations since late November have amounted to over Rs 1,396 crore in refunded bookings.

(With inputs from agencies.)