India's largest airline, IndiGo, has officially informed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) that the recent spate of flight cancellations is expected to continue for the next two to three days. The aviation regulator has stated it will be closely monitoring airfares to prevent any undue price hikes taking advantage of the disrupted schedule.
Regulator Steps In to Protect Passengers
The DGCA confirmed receiving communication from the budget carrier regarding the ongoing operational challenges. The regulator has made it clear that it will keep a vigilant eye on air tariffs to ensure airlines do not exploit the situation by raising prices excessively on routes affected by the cancellations. This proactive stance aims to safeguard passenger interests during a period of significant travel inconvenience.
While the specific number of flights canceled was not detailed in the DGCA's statement, the impact is understood to be substantial, affecting numerous passengers across the airline's extensive domestic network. The disruptions come amid various operational pressures facing the aviation sector.
Behind the Operational Disruptions
Although the official communication did not specify the precise reasons for the extended cancellation period, industry sources point to a confluence of factors. These commonly include shortages in available aircraft due to maintenance needs, infrastructure constraints at major airports, and challenging weather conditions in parts of the country. Such factors can create a cascading effect on an airline's schedule, leading to multi-day recovery periods.
The DGCA's decision to monitor fares directly addresses a major passenger concern during such disruptions. Historically, sudden reductions in seat capacity on popular routes have led to sharp increases in last-minute ticket prices on remaining flights operated by all carriers. The regulator's oversight is intended to curb this practice.
Passenger Advisory and Next Steps
Passengers booked on IndiGo flights for the immediate future are strongly advised to check their flight status directly through the airline's official website or mobile app before heading to the airport. The airline is obligated to inform affected passengers and offer alternatives, which typically include re-accommodation on the next available flight or a full refund as per DGCA guidelines.
The next 48 to 72 hours will be critical for IndiGo to stabilize its operations. The DGCA's involvement underscores the seriousness of the situation and its commitment to ensuring market fairness. Travelers are hoping for a swift return to normalcy as the airline works to resolve the underlying issues causing the widespread cancellations.
