Govt Assures of Relief Amid IndiGo Crisis: Orders High-Level Probe, Says Flight Schedules to 'Stabilise' Tonight

New Delhi: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has issued a statement assuring that all flight schedules will start stabilising tonight and full normalcy of flight operations is expected in the next couple of days.

In a statement, the Civil Aviation Ministry said, "It is expected that all flight schedules would stabilize and begin returning to normal by midnight tonight and full services and stability should return over the next couple of days."

The ministry also said that IndiGo Airlines, which is responsible for the aviation strain, will ensure refunds for tickets of affected passengers.

"In the event of flight cancellation, IndiGo will ensure an automatic full refund for tickets. A 24x7 control room at the Ministry of Civil Aviation is constantly monitoring the situation on a real-time basis," the ministry said.

"The Ministry of Civil Aviation has taken measures for immediate implementation by airlines, especially IndiGo, to resolve the severe disruption in flight schedules and stabilize services without delay. Two orders have been issued to mitigate the problems faced by the public and restore the stability of services, especially by IndiGo," the statement added.

"The Central Government is fully alert to air passenger woes and is in constant consultation with all stakeholders. Every possible measure, including rule exemptions as announced by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation on Friday, will be taken to restore schedules and ensure stability to mitigate the public’s woes," the statement added.

The ministry's statement highlighted:

-Passengers can track delays, if any, from home through the information system installed by IndiGo and others.

-In the event of flight cancellation, IndiGo will ensure an automatic full refund for tickets.

-If passengers are stranded, they will be put up at hotels where accommodation has been booked by the airlines.

-Special measures have been taken to ensure senior citizens are not discomfited in any manner. They will be provided with lounge access.

-Passengers of delayed flights will be provided with refreshments and other necessities.

-A 24x7 control room at the Ministry of Civil Aviation is constantly monitoring the situation on a real-time basis.

Civil Aviation Minister's Statement

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has issued a statement on the aviation chaos, announcing that urgent and proactive measures have been taken to address the ongoing disruption in flight schedules, according to the Press Information Bureau (PIB).

"The Ministry of Civil Aviation has taken urgent and proactive measures to address the ongoing disruption in flight schedules, particularly those of Indigo Airlines. The Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) orders of the DGCA have been placed in abeyance with immediate effect. Without compromising on air safety, this decision has been taken solely in the interest of passengers, especially senior citizens, students, patients, and others who rely on timely air travel for essential needs," the PIB noted.

He further informed that measures aimed at reducing passenger inconvenience have been taken to expeditiously restore normalcy in flight operations.

"Several operational measures have been directed to ensure that normal airline services are restored at the earliest and that the inconvenience caused to travellers is significantly reduced. We expect that flight schedules will begin to stabilise and return to normal by tomorrow. We anticipate that complete restoration of services will be achieved within the next three days," Naidu stated, according to the PIB release.

High-Level Inquiry Ordered

The central government has decided to institute a high-level inquiry to examine the matter, the PIB stated.

"The Government of India has decided to institute a high-level inquiry into this disruption. The inquiry will examine what went wrong at Indigo, determine accountability wherever required for appropriate actions, and recommend measures to prevent similar disruptions in the future, ensuring that passengers do not face such hardships again," the PIB's statement read.

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