The North News
New Delhi, December 5
The Centre government on Friday ordered a high-level inquiry into the widespread disruption of IndiGo flight operations as authorities moved to stabilise services and reduce difficulties faced by passengers across the country. In a statement, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said the inquiry would examine the causes of the disruption, assess accountability “wherever required”, and recommend measures to prevent such incidents in future. “Passenger care, safety and convenience remain the highest priority of the Government of India,” it said.
Officials said the Centre had been in continuous consultation with airlines and other stakeholders, and had taken “every necessary measure”, including regulatory relaxations permitted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), to ease the situation. One of the key steps announced was the temporary suspension of the DGCA’s Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) order, which governs crew working hours. The ministry said the decision—taken “without compromising air safety”—was intended to protect the interests of passengers, particularly senior citizens, students and patients who rely on timely air travel.
The government said that they expected flight schedules to begin stabilising by Saturday, with full restoration anticipated within three days. Airlines have been directed to provide real-time flight information through strengthened online systems and to issue automatic full refunds for cancelled flights. Carriers must also arrange hotel accommodation for stranded passengers affected by prolonged delays.
Special assistance is to be provided to senior citizens and differently abled passengers, including lounge access and on-ground support. Refreshments and essential services will be offered to all travellers affected by delays.
The Ministry has set up a 24×7 control room to monitor the situation and coordinate corrective action. Officials said the government remained “fully alert” to the challenges faced by air passengers and would continue working to normalise operations as quickly as possible.
