Ministry of Civil Aviation Acts to Stabilise IndiGo Operations

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has implemented significant measures to address the operational crisis faced by IndiGo, one of India’s largest airlines. Following a series of flight cancellations and disruptions, the ministry has acted decisively to restore normalcy in air travel and protect passengers’ interests.

Swift Actions to Mitigate Disruption

In a press release, the MoCA outlined several steps taken to stabilise the situation. The ministry announced a cap on airfares, aiming to ensure fairness and affordability for travellers. This measure follows a temporary surge in ticket prices due to the spike in demand caused by recent cancellations. Since the implementation of the fare cap, prices across affected routes have moderated to acceptable levels, with all airlines instructed to comply with the revised fare structure.

To protect passengers financially, the MoCA mandated that IndiGo complete all refunds for cancelled or severely delayed flights by 20:00 on December 6, 2023. As of the statement’s release, IndiGo had processed refunds amounting to Rs 610 crore. Additionally, the airline is prohibited from charging any extra fees for rescheduling flights impacted by cancellations. Dedicated support cells have been established to facilitate the refund and rebooking process for passengers, ensuring minimal inconvenience.

Restoration of Flight Operations and Baggage Delivery

IndiGo’s performance has shown consistent improvement, with flight operations increasing from 706 on December 5 to 1,565 on December 6, and projected to reach up to 1,650 by the end of the day. The MoCA’s intervention has clearly contributed to the stabilisation of air travel operations across the country, with all other domestic airlines functioning normally.

Another key focus has been the timely delivery of passenger baggage. The ministry has instructed IndiGo to trace and deliver all baggage that was separated from passengers due to operational disruptions within 48 hours. As of the latest updates, IndiGo successfully delivered 3,000 pieces of baggage to affected passengers across India.

Airport operations have also returned to normal, with directors from major airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Goa confirming smooth conditions across terminals. Passenger movement is reported to be efficient, with no crowding at check-in, security, or boarding points.

The MoCA continues to monitor the situation closely through its 24/7 Control Room, which acts as a coordination hub overseeing flight operations and passenger support. The ministry has assured travellers that their safety, convenience, and dignity remain the government’s top priorities.

As IndiGo works to restore its reputation and operations toward full normalcy, MoCA’s ongoing vigilance will ensure passenger rights and interests are fully protected. Further updates will be provided as necessary, reflecting the ministry’s commitment to maintaining a reliable and safe aviation network across India.