The IndiGo flight cancellation crisis has escalated to the highest levels of the judiciary, reaching both the Supreme Court and the Delhi High Court. The Supreme Court described the situation as “a serious matter,” while the Delhi High Court agreed to hear one of the petitions against the airline on December 10.
Since December 2, IndiGo has cancelled hundreds of flights, causing widespread disruption. Although the Gurugram-based carrier has cited multiple reasons, aviation experts attribute the majority of the cancellations to recent regulatory changes in pilots’ flight duty time limitations and rest requirements.
The airline is now facing strong criticism from both passengers and the central government over its handling of the crisis. However, the Supreme Court refrained from direct intervention at this stage.
Delhi High Court to hear IndiGo crisis plea on December 10| Top points
- A public interest petition seeking directions to the Centre for passenger refunds and support was mentioned before the Delhi High Court.
- A bench headed by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela listed the matter for detailed hearing on December 10.
- Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha stated that the government has ensured 100% refunds for all cancelled PNRs have been processed.
- The Secretary assured that delayed baggage delivery is being expedited, with 90% of stranded luggage already reaching passengers and the remaining expected within the next 24 hours.
- The Ministry of Civil Aviation has directed IndiGo to reduce its flight operations by 10% across all sectors due to the airline’s inability to efficiently operate its winter/summer schedule.
- Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said the 10% capacity cut is aimed at stabilising IndiGo’s operations and reducing further cancellations.
- IndiGo has been asked to submit a revised flight schedule incorporating the 10% reduction by 5 PM on December 10.
- The Supreme Court, while calling the crisis a “serious matter” affecting lakhs of passengers, declined urgent intervention, noting that the government has already taken remedial steps.
- On Tuesday alone, IndiGo reportedly cancelled over 400 flights, with Delhi (152 cancellations) and Bengaluru (121) being the worst-hit airports.
- Since the mass cancellations began, IndiGo has cancelled nearly 5,000 flights, causing widespread passenger distress across the country.
Also Read: No airline allowed to inconvenience people: Aviation Minister
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