Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, has issued a stern warning to IndiGo, holding the airline accountable for widespread flight disruptions that have caused significant hardship for passengers across India. The minister promised decisive action once a regulatory inquiry is complete.
Minister's Strong Rebuke in Pune
Addressing the media in Pune on Sunday, December 7, 2025, Minister Mohol did not mince words. He stated that passengers nationwide have endured mental distress and numerous difficulties due to the airline's failures. "Passengers across the country have suffered mental distress and faced many difficulties. They had to endure mental harassment because of IndiGo," Mohol told reporters. He emphasized that the crisis unfolded because IndiGo did not fulfill certain expected responsibilities.
Scale of the Disruption and Regulatory Response
The operational meltdown at India's largest carrier has been severe. IndiGo has cancelled more than 2,000 flights and delayed many others since Tuesday, leaving thousands of passengers stranded at airports. The fallout includes widespread issues with lost baggage and difficulties in obtaining refunds.
In response, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken multiple steps:
- Set up a four-member inquiry panel to investigate the root causes and recommend mitigation measures.
- Established a control room to monitor the situation.
- Issued a show-cause notice to IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers.
- Imposed limits on ticket sales for all airlines to prevent over-scheduling.
Accountability and Next Steps
Minister Mohol made it clear that the government's response will be based on the findings of the DGCA committee. "Action will be taken after the four-member committee submits its report, adding that accountability will be fixed, and nobody will be spared," he asserted. He also highlighted that instructions have been issued to ensure all affected passengers receive refunds for their cancelled flights.
The situation underscores significant strain in the aviation sector, with the government now stepping in to ensure passenger rights are protected and that airlines are held responsible for systemic failures. The coming days, following the DGCA report, are expected to see concrete regulatory action against IndiGo.
