DGCA Launches Investigation
NEW DELHI – The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated an investigation into the recent disruptions in IndiGo’s flight network. The aviation regulator has summoned the airline to its headquarters to provide a detailed report on the circumstances leading to the ongoing situation and the steps being taken to resolve it.
Over 70 Flights Cancelled Across India
IndiGo has been forced to cancel more than 70 flights nationwide due to a severe shortage of crew members. The DGCA advised passengers to check flight status through official channels before traveling, while also stating that it is working closely with the airline to implement measures that reduce delays and cancellations.
Causes of Cancellations
According to DGCA, IndiGo reported a total of 1,232 flight cancellations. Of these, 755 were linked to crew shortages, while 92 were due to Air Traffic Control (ATC) issues. The DGCA noted that many of these factors, including crew compliance and ATC-related delays, fall beyond the airline’s direct control.
Widespread Delays Affect Major Airports
The operational disruptions have significantly affected major airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. Data from the government indicates that only 35% of IndiGo flights operated on time on Tuesday, December 2. By Wednesday afternoon, nearly 200 flights had been cancelled at these key airports.
Airline Responds to Disruptions
IndiGo has issued an apology to passengers for the inconvenience caused. The airline explained that a combination of operational challenges contributed to the delays and cancellations. Factors cited include minor technical issues, adjustments to the winter schedule, adverse weather conditions, high airport congestion, and new crew rostering rules. The airline emphasized that these issues collectively disrupted operations in a manner that could not have been anticipated.
Looking Ahead
Both the DGCA and IndiGo are actively working to stabilize flight operations. The regulator has requested detailed mitigation plans from the airline to ensure smoother operations and minimize passenger inconvenience in the coming days.
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