A key parliamentary committee has decided to take direct action against the growing chaos in Indian skies. In response to a sharp rise in passenger complaints about flight disruptions, delays, and cancellations, the panel will summon top executives from major airlines along with the country's aviation regulator for a hearing.
Committee Takes Stern Stance on Passenger Woes
The decision was taken by the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism, and Culture. The panel, chaired by Rajya Sabha MP V. Vijayasai Reddy, convened a meeting where members expressed deep concern over the deteriorating quality of air travel services. The committee reviewed the current scenario and unanimously agreed that immediate intervention was necessary to hold stakeholders accountable.
The move comes after a period marked by widespread operational failures, including last-minute cancellations, extensive delays, and inadequate communication from airlines to affected passengers. The committee noted that these issues are causing significant hardship and financial loss to travelers, tarnishing the reputation of the aviation sector.
Who Will Face the Panel's Questions?
The committee plans to call upon representatives from major Indian airlines, likely including market leaders like IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and others. They will be expected to explain the root causes of the persistent disruptions and outline concrete steps being taken to improve reliability.
Simultaneously, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the national regulatory body for civil aviation, will also be summoned. The regulator will be questioned on its oversight role and the effectiveness of its enforcement actions. The panel seeks to understand whether the DGCA is utilizing its powers sufficiently to penalize airlines for non-compliance with passenger service norms and to ensure adherence to schedules.
Focus on Accountability and Future Solutions
The parliamentary hearing is not merely a fact-finding exercise but is aimed at enforcing accountability. The committee intends to scrutinize the preparedness of airlines for handling operational challenges, including fog-related disruptions and other seasonal factors. A core issue will be the implementation and enforcement of the DGCA's own Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) on passenger rights, which mandate compensation and facilities in cases of cancellations and long delays.
This proactive step by the parliamentary panel underscores the growing political and public frustration with the state of air travel in India. The outcome of this summons could lead to stronger regulatory directives, stricter penalties for errant airlines, and potentially, a push for policy reforms to better protect consumer interests in the aviation market. The hearing is expected to be scheduled in the coming weeks, putting airline chiefs and regulators directly in the hot seat.
