New delhi: The Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation has implemented urgent measures to address the ongoing disruption in flight schedules, as more than 1,400 flights of Indigo Airlines have been canceled or delayed over the past four days. A statement from the Ministry announced several proactive steps, including the suspension of the Flight Duty Time Limitations by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, aimed at alleviating the difficulties faced by air passengers stranded across various airports nationwide.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the disruptions have been particularly impactful due to Indigo Airlines' significant market share of over 60% and its reputation for offering affordable tickets. The Ministry emphasized that the decision to suspend duty limitations was made in the passengers' interest, especially benefiting senior citizens, students, and patients who depend on timely flights for essential travel needs. The authorities have directed airlines to expedite the restoration of regular services as swiftly as possible. They anticipate that flight schedules will begin to stabilize by tomorrow, with a full return to normal operations expected within the next three days.
Additionally, airlines have been instructed to provide regular updates, issue automatic full refunds for cancellations, and arrange hotel accommodations for stranded passengers. The central government has also announced a high-level inquiry to investigate the root causes of Indigo's operational challenges, determine accountability, and propose measures to prevent future disruptions.