DGCA Deploys Oversight Team as IndiGo Flight Cancellations Enter Ninth Day

India’s largest airline, IndiGo, faces a severe operational crisis. Widespread flight cancellations and delays have entered a ninth consecutive day. Passengers remain stranded at major airports across the country.The aviation regulator has taken decisive action. On December 10, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) constituted a dedicated oversight team.

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The DGCA’s team will be stationed at IndiGo’s Gurugram corporate office. They will monitor daily cancellations, refund processing, and on-time performance. This move followed a day of major disruptions.According to reports, nearly 220 flights were cancelled last Wednesday alone. Airports in Delhi, Mumbai, and other hubs were severely impacted. The DGCA has also summoned IndiGo’s CEO, Pieter Elbers.He is required to submit a comprehensive report on the disruptions. The airline has already submitted a revised winter schedule. Its operations were cut by 10 percent by the government.

 

Nationwide Disruptions and Root Cause Analysis

The cancellations continue nationwide on Thursday. Data shows 77 flights were cancelled at Hyderabad’s airport. Bengaluru saw 60 cancellations, while Chennai reported 36.Other airports like Ahmedabad, Goa, and Bhubaneswar faced significant cuts. IndiGo’s Chairman, Vikram Singh Mehta, issued a public apology. He cited a combination of internal and external events.These include technical glitches, winter schedule changes, and adverse weather. Updated crew rostering rules and system congestion also contributed. The board plans to involve external experts to find the root cause.

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The situation underscores critical pressure points in India’s booming aviation sector. Passenger trust and regulatory compliance are now paramount. The resolution of the IndiGo flight cancellations will be a crucial test for the airline’s management and for the DGCA’s oversight capabilities.

Info at your fingertips

What should I do if my IndiGo flight is cancelled?

Use the IndiGo website or app with your PNR to check status. The airline offers a full refund or free rebooking on the next available flight. Submit your request through their official refund page.

Why are so many IndiGo flights being cancelled?

The airline cites a mix of factors. These include minor technical issues, new crew rest rules, and winter schedule shifts. Adverse weather and general airport congestion have compounded the problem.

Which airports are most affected by the cancellations?

Major hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad are heavily impacted. Regional airports including Goa, Coimbatore, and Bhubaneswar are also facing numerous cancellations daily.

What action is the DGCA taking against IndiGo?

The regulator has deployed a permanent oversight team at IndiGo’s office. It is monitoring operations and refunds daily. The CEO has been summoned to explain the crisis and provide a recovery plan.

Is IndiGo following pilot fatigue rules properly?

Chairman Vikram Singh Mehta stated the airline has complied with the new rules. He asserted IndiGo did not bypass them and maintained its safety record. The DGCA oversight will verify these claims.