IndiGo Flight Chaos Enters 9th Day, DGCA Launches Surprise Airport Inspections

Passenger travel across India faced major disruptions for a ninth straight day. Aviation regulator DGCA has ordered immediate surprise inspections at 11 major airports. The inspections are a direct response to ongoing, large-scale delays and cancellations by IndiGo. Travelers nationwide have reported significant inconvenience and uncertainty.

According to Reuters, the directive was issued on December 10. It mandates that DGCA officers assess operational preparedness and passenger handling. The goal is to ensure safety and evaluate the airline’s response during this prolonged period of disruption.

What DGCA Inspectors Are Looking For At Airports

DGCA officials have a detailed 13-point checklist for their inspections. They will examine the status of flight delays, cancellations, and terminal congestion. Officials must also review queue management at check-in and security areas.

The inspection will assess the adequacy of airline and airport staff. It will check the availability of basic amenities like drinking water. Special attention will be given to assistance for elderly passengers and those with reduced mobility.

A key focus is communication. Inspectors will verify if prompt information is provided to passengers about delays. They will also check the status of pending baggage delivery and overall terminal cleanliness. Officers are instructed to obtain direct feedback from affected travelers.

IndiGo Ordered to Submit Detailed Recovery Plan

Beyond the airport checks, DGCA has demanded a comprehensive report from IndiGo. The airline must submit details by December 11. The report must cover its plan to restore normal flight services.

IndiGo must also provide a recruitment plan for pilots and cabin crew. The regulator wants data on cancelled flights and processed refunds. The airline must explain its communication strategy and how it is re-routing affected passengers.

On Wednesday, over 70 IndiGo flights were cancelled. A majority of these, nearly 61, were at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport. This ongoing situation highlights deep-seated operational challenges.

The DGCA’s unprecedented inspection blitz signals serious regulatory concern over the IndiGo flight delays. The airline’s immediate compliance and transparent communication will be crucial to restoring passenger trust and operational stability.

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Why is DGCA inspecting airports now?

The inspections are a direct response to nine consecutive days of major IndiGo flight disruptions. The DGCA is acting to ensure passenger safety and assess the airline’s operational readiness during this crisis.

What should affected IndiGo passengers do?

Passengers should check their flight status directly on the airline’s website or app before heading to the airport. They are entitled to a full refund or alternative re-routing as per DGCA regulations for cancelled flights.

How many flights have been cancelled?

On the ninth day alone, over 70 IndiGo flights were cancelled. Nearly 61 of those cancellations were concentrated at Bengaluru Airport, affecting both arrivals and departures.

What is IndiGo required to provide to DGCA?

IndiGo must submit a detailed report covering its recovery plan, crew recruitment status, refund data, and communication logs. This report is due to the regulator by a strict deadline.