IndiGo Flight Disruptions: Blame Shared Between Airlines and DGCA

Karnataka Congress MLA KN Rajanna attributes IndiGo flight delays to DGCA's regulations on pilot working hours, leading to pilot shortages. The Civil Aviation Ministry mandates IndiGo to clear pending refunds and trace separated baggage, while the airline works to stabilize its operations amid the ongoing disruptions.

In the wake of widespread disruptions in air travel due to IndiGo flight delays and cancellations, Karnataka Congress MLA KN Rajanna pointed fingers at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Saturday, stating that the aviation authority also bears responsibility. Rajanna said that the DGCA's regulations, which limit pilots to eight-hour shifts, forced IndiGo to address pilot shortages as the airline had allegedly been demanding longer shifts from its pilots.

"The pilot shortage has led to the rescheduling of flights, causing the current chaos," Rajanna remarked, adding that it is not only IndiGo, but also the DGCA and the Civil Aviation Ministry, which are to blame for the disruption. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has instructed IndiGo to resolve these issues promptly, including tracing and returning luggage to affected travelers within 48 hours.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu issued stern directives to IndiGo, stating that all pending passenger refunds for cancelled or disrupted flights must be processed by 8 PM on December 7. He emphasized that the separated baggage should be delivered to passengers within 48 hours, warning that any lag in compliance would evoke regulatory action. Meanwhile, IndiGo announced that it is actively working to stabilize its operations, having reduced cancellations to fewer than 850 flights, and advised passengers to verify flight statuses online and seek refunds if necessary. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)