In a decisive move to address widespread flight chaos, the Ministry of Civil Aviation issued stringent directives to airlines on Friday, with a particular emphasis on IndiGo. The ministry has demanded immediate implementation of corrective measures to resolve the large-scale disruptions and restore normal services at the earliest.
Flight Schedules on Path to Normalcy
According to the fresh order, flight schedules are expected to begin stabilising by midnight on Friday. The ministry anticipates that full operational normalcy will likely be restored over the next couple of days. To keep travellers informed, passengers have been advised to monitor potential delays from their homes using the real-time information systems installed by IndiGo and other carriers.
In a significant relief measure, the order mandates that IndiGo must ensure automatic full refunds in cases where flights are cancelled. This move is aimed at reducing passenger hassle and ensuring immediate financial redressal.
Comprehensive Support for Stranded Passengers
The government has outlined a detailed passenger support protocol to mitigate the inconvenience caused by the disruptions. Airlines have been instructed to accommodate stranded passengers in hotels at their expense. Furthermore, refreshments and essential support must be provided to all passengers facing delays.
Special provisions have been made for senior citizens. Senior citizens will be provided with lounge access to ensure they are not discomforted in any manner, as per the ministry's directive. To oversee the implementation of these measures and the overall situation, a 24x7 control room has been activated at the aviation ministry, monitoring developments on a real-time basis.
DGCA Grants Temporary Exemption to IndiGo
Earlier on Friday, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) stepped in to aid the stabilisation process. The regulator granted IndiGo a one-time temporary exemption to ease limits related to night duty and night operations for its A320 fleet. This exemption is valid until February 10, 2026.
The DGCA clarified that while the primary responsibility for the inconvenience lies with the airline operator, this exemption has been allowed "in the public interest" to ensure the continuity of essential air services. The regulator also emphasised that the exemption is conditional and may be revoked immediately if any compromise on safety is detected.
The government stated that it remains fully alert to the woes of air travellers and is engaged in continuous discussions with all stakeholders. It affirmed that every possible measure, including the rule exemptions announced by the DGCA, will be deployed to restore schedule stability and mitigate public inconvenience.
