The recent operational crisis at IndiGo, India's largest airline, has sparked serious concerns about the effectiveness of the country's aviation regulator. Political leader Prakash Ambedkar has stated that the incident has laid bare the terribly weak regulation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
A Wake-Up Call for Government and Regulator
Ambedkar emphasized that the widespread flight disruptions and passenger distress witnessed during the IndiGo crisis should serve as a major wake-up call for the government. He argued that the event highlighted systemic failures in oversight and consumer protection within the Indian aviation sector. The call for action was made public on 04 December 2025.
Demand for a Robust Passenger Protection Code
Pointing to established models in other parts of the world, Prakash Ambedkar called for the urgent introduction of a Passenger Protection Code in India. He cited similar frameworks that are successfully operational in the European Union and the United States. Such a code would legally mandate airlines to compensate and assist passengers in cases of significant delays, cancellations, and denied boarding, shifting the power balance towards the consumer.
Implications for Indian Aviation
The critique goes beyond a single airline's operational failure. It questions the DGCA's capacity for proactive and stringent regulation in a rapidly growing market. Experts believe that without stronger regulatory frameworks and enforcement, passengers will continue to bear the brunt of operational inefficiencies. The incident has ignited a debate on whether India's regulatory mechanisms have kept pace with the expansion of its aviation industry.
The demand for a formal protection code underscores a growing need for transparency and accountability. Implementing such a policy would involve defining clear rights for passengers and establishing unambiguous penalties for airlines that fail to comply, thereby aiming to prevent similar crises in the future.
