'Appropriate action...': Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu fires warning shots amid IndiGo crisis

New Delhi: Union Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, while speaking in Lok Sabha over the operational crisis of IndiGo, which has left thousands of passengers in a mess, said that the airline is gradually resuming operations.

He added that the government is holding IndiGo accountable for the disruptions and cancellations of flights. Also, he said that the Centre is aiming to build a robust airline system and called the new flying rules non-negotiable and will not be revoked. He further said that the Centre is aiming for more new airlines.

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Naidu, while speaking in Lok Sabha on the IndiGo crisis, said, "Operations are stabilising fast, safety remains fully in force, IndiGo is being held accountable." He added, "Operations are stabilising fast, safety remains fully in force, IndiGo is being held accountable, passengers' convenience and dignity are being protected, and long-term measures are underway to take India's aviation sector more passenger-centric."

He warned, "No airline, however large, will be permitted to cause such hardship to passengers through planning failures, non-compliance. IndiGo disruptions are stabilising; all other airlines continue to operate smoothly across the country. Airports across the country are reporting normal conditions, with no crowding or distress."

While speaking about refunds, Naidu said, "Refunds, baggage tracing and passenger support measures remain under the supervision of the Ministry. DGCA has issued show-cause notices to IndiGo's senior leadership and commenced a detailed enforcement investigation. Based on the report, strict and appropriate action will be taken. No airline, however large, will be permitted to cause such hardship to passengers through planning failures, non-compliance."

Meanwhile, the aviation regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has decided to cut IndiGo's flights by five per cent and allot the slots to other airlines. Indigo operates approximately 2,200 flights every day. This means about 115 flights will be reduced daily. According to official sources, the airline has been informed, and a list of the flights to be cancelled is being prepared.