IndiGo refunds ₹827 crore to 5.8 lakh passengers; Indian Minister blames
Key Points
- 1IndiGo has refunded ₹827 crore to 5.8 lakh passengers following over 500 flight cancellations and significant operational disruptions.
- 2Indian Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu held IndiGo solely responsible, citing "internal system failure" and promising strict action and an inquiry.
- 3IndiGo formed a Crisis Management Group to restore operational integrity, while facing a showcause notice from the Indian DGCA and a potential parliamentary summons.
India's IndiGo has disbursed ₹827 crore in refunds to approximately 5.8 lakh passengers affected by a wave of flight cancellations. The airline cancelled over 500 flights from key airports, causing significant disruption and prompting intervention from the Union Civil Aviation Ministry. In addition to financial compensation, IndiGo has also delivered around 4,500 pieces of baggage to impacted travelers.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu addressed the Rajya Sabha, unequivocally holding IndiGo responsible for the widespread crisis. He stated that the airline's "internal system was responsible for the crisis" and vowed that the ministry would not take the situation lightly. Minister Kinjarapu emphasized that a thorough inquiry is underway, promising "very, very strict action" to set an example.
In response to the ongoing operational challenges, IndiGo's board established a Crisis Management Group (CMG) in December. This group meets daily to monitor the situation, with a primary objective of "restoring 100 per cent operational integrity." Meanwhile, top executives from IndiGo are expected to respond to a showcause notice issued by the Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Reports also indicate that the Parliamentary Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture plans to summon both IndiGo leadership and civil aviation ministry officials for explanations regarding the disruptions. IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers noted the airline operated close to 1,600 flights on Sunday amidst the ongoing issues.
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