IndiGo Crisis Deepens as Over 800 Flights Cancelled on Fifth Consecutive Day; DGCA Issues Show-Cause Notice to CEO
DGCA Issues Show-Cause Notice to IndiGo, Seeks Response Within 24 Hours: Domestic passengers across India faced another day of severe disruption on Saturday as IndiGo cancelled more than 800 flights, marking the fifth consecutive day of mass cancellations. A day earlier, the airline scrapped a record 1,600 flights, the highest ever single-day cancellation count by any Indian carrier in the country’s aviation history.
IndiGo Says 95% Connectivity Restored
IndiGo, which normally operates 2,300 flights daily, said it managed to operate around 1,500 flights on Saturday, claiming that more than 95% of its network connectivity had been restored. Services resumed on 135 out of its 138 destinations, the airline added.
With 64% Market Share, Disruption Hits Nationwide
As the carrier holds a 64% share of India’s domestic aviation market, the large-scale cancellations left thousands stranded at airports nationwide.
- New Delhi’s IGI Airport: 106 flights cancelled
- Kolkata Airport: 41 flights cancelled
The Ministry of Civil Aviation said all essential facilities were being provided to passengers and that check-in and check-out procedures were functioning smoothly.
IndiGo Blames Staff Absences and System Glitches
Facing accusations of arbitrary and unprofessional conduct, IndiGo released an official statement on X, citing the reasons behind the cancellations:
- A sudden spike in staff absences
- Crew unavailability
- Operational management issues
- System-synchronisation glitches, including a sequencing error involving a crew member
The airline said it was working to stabilize flights:
“Fewer flights were cancelled today compared to Friday. We are working to gradually reduce this number over the next few days.”
Industry Bodies Demand Investigation
The crisis has triggered sharp reactions from aviation bodies.
ANI quoted Aviation Council of India President Nitin Jadhav, who alleged:
“IndiGo management is responsible for this, not the pilots… The DGCA is supporting them. I demand a CBI investigation into the DGCA and IndiGo. There is a hidden agenda behind this.”
The Airlines Pilots Association of India also criticized the DGCA for granting operational relaxations to IndiGo, saying the move compromises regulatory fairness and endangers millions of passengers.
Government Issues Show-Cause Notice
Amid rising public anger and widespread travel chaos, the DGCA has issued a show-cause notice to IndiGo CEO Peter Elbers, demanding an explanation within 24 hours for the operational failures. Authorities said the airline’s cancellations and delays have caused “substantial passenger inconvenience,” warranting immediate accountability.
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