IndiGo Crisis: Aviation Ministry Orders Airport Inspections Amid Disruptions

Amid operational chaos at IndiGo, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has mandated senior officials to conduct inspections at major airports. These checks aim to evaluate the situation and address passenger concerns. The crisis is attributed to crew rostering issues, not technical systems. IndiGo executives face scrutiny from regulatory authorities.

Facing widespread disruptions across several airports due to an operational crisis at IndiGo, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has ordered senior officials to carry out on-site inspections at major airports throughout the nation. Officials at the levels of Deputy Secretary, Director, and Joint Secretary are slated to visit key airports to evaluate the current situation and passenger challenges.

As part of the special inspection drive, airports in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Pune, Guwahati, Goa, and Thiruvananthapuram have been targeted. The Ministry, along with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), began real-time monitoring of the circumstances on December 3 due to IndiGo's operational upheaval.

A statement from Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinarapu's Office revealed that a high-level review meeting involving senior officials was convened for a thorough situation assessment. The officials have been tasked to verify airline operations and ensure passenger-oriented services are delivered effectively.

Any issues uncovered, including those from passenger feedback, are to be swiftly corrected, the statement conveyed. Speaking in Rajya Sabha, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu noted that IndiGo's issues stemmed from crew rostering and operational planning rather than the Aircraft Maintenance and Scheduling System.

Consultations with all stakeholders on Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) guidelines were emphasized to maintain safety standards. Strict Civil Aviation Requirements protect passengers affected by delays and cancellations. On December 6, the DCGA issued show cause notices to IndiGo's CEO Pieter Elbers and COO Isidro Porqueras.

(With inputs from agencies.)