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New Delhi: Amid the ongoing crisis in Indigo that forced cancellation of several flights and thousands of passengers left stranded at airports across the country, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MCA) sent a showcause notice to the airline's CEO Peter Elbers late on Saturday evening. The notice was sent after flight disruptions continued for the fifth straight day on Saturday.
In its letter, the ministry noted that scheduled flights of Indigo Airlines recently faced massive disruptions resulting in severe inconvenience, hardship and distress to passengers. It also noted that major causes of disruptions is the inadequate “arrangements to cater to the revised requirements for smooth implementation of the approved FDTL scheme for the airline.”
“Such large-scale operational failures indicate significant lapses in planning, oversight, and resource management, and is prima facie non-compliance on the part of the airline with the provisions of Rule 42A of the Aircraft Rules, 1937 and the provisions of CAR Section 7, Series J, Part III Issue III (Rev. 2) on Duty Period, Flight Duty Period, Flight Time Limitations and Prescribed Rest Periods – Flight crew Engaged in Scheduled Air Transport Operations,” the ministry noted .
Asking the CEO to show cause within 24 hours of the receipt of the letter, it added that the failure to do so would result in the matter being decided ex parte.
Issuing a statement late on Saturday, the ministry said, “ Normalcy is restored at airports across the country and all necessary facilities are provided to passengers. Check-in and check-out are happening smoothly.” IndiGo had cancelled 1,600 flights on Friday and 800 on Saturday since the crisis started earlier this week. The airline operates 2,300 flights each day across the country.
Earlier in the evening, the ministry held a meeting with airline officials, which lasted for an hour. According to a News 18 report, the ministry pulled up the airlines for the mismanagement, leading to Indigo flights either getting delayed or cancelled.
Calling IndiGo’s communication system ‘pathetic’ the ministry said that the airline needed a complete customer-friendly overhaul. It was also decided to conduct a fortnightly review of the airline’s operations, with a major focus on its hiring practices.
During the meeting, the ministry officials slammed IndiGo for failing to prepare for the new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms. The ministry noted that while IndiGo expressed confidence of handling the new regulations. but the airline failed to hire adequate staff, leading to operational strain. The ministry also warned the airline of “toughest possible action" in case IndiGo failed to improve the situation. The Centre is also looking to impose a heavy penalty on IndiGo for meltdown in operations that has led to widespread delays, cancellations of flights, and passenger chaos across the country.
The ministry initiated several measures on Saturday as part of efforts to normalise flight services across the country. The ministry has capped airfares apart from business class tickets in the range of Rs 7,500 to Rs 18,000, depending on the distance covered by airlines. IndiGo has also been asked to complete the refund process by 8 pm on Sunday.
