Indian Ministry, DGCA, and IndiGo Held Accountable for Aviation Meltdown

Aviation consultant Sanjay Lazar asserts that IndiGo, the Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and the Civil Aviation Ministry share collective responsibility for the recent widespread flight disruptions and passenger inconvenience in India. Lazar, CEO of Avialaz Consultants, criticized the ministry for allowing IndiGo to achieve a dominant market share, currently at 63-65%, suggesting a potential monopolies issue that warrants intervention from the Competition Commission of India. He argues that the DGCA also failed in its oversight duties, likening their inaction to sleeping through a fire alarm.

The consultant highlighted the severe impact on "lakhs of ordinary Indian citizens" and the resulting international embarrassment for the country, which boasts the third-largest and fastest-growing aviation market globally. Lazar strongly advocates for a "REAL Passenger Charter" similar to those in the European Union or the United Kingdom, where compensation and regulations are clearly defined and enforceable. He also raised concerns about the recent relaxation of court-mandated Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) rules specifically for IndiGo's A320 fleet, questioning the legality of overriding a Delhi High Court order and its potential implications for passenger and pilot safety.

Lazar anticipates significant penalties for IndiGo and calls for the airline to establish a compensation fund for all affected passengers, noting instances of "price gouging and exploitation" where passengers lost 50% on refunds for cancelled rebooked flights. He emphasizes the critical need to prioritize passengers, build long-term safety safeguards, and foster a fair competitive landscape within the Indian aviation sector. Lazar advises against perpetuating a system dominated by one or two major carriers, advocating for support for smaller airlines to ensure a healthy and robust aviation ecosystem.