IndiGo crisis due to internal failures, not regulations: Minister

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Monday told the Rajya Sabha that the ongoing IndiGo crisis stemmed from the airline’s “crew rostering and internal planning” failures, stressing it was an operational issue, not caused by regulatory changes.
Addressing the Upper House, the minister said the government had been in constant touch with IndiGo as the situation unfolded. “This was an operational issue created by IndiGo. We were continuously in touch with them. On November 1, the ministry held a meeting, IndiGo sought some clarification, and it was given. They failed to maintain their roster,” he said.
Naidu said the Ministry had spoken to IndiGo on December 1 and was assured that all systems were in place. He reiterated that the government aims to maintain “top global standards” in India’s aviation sector and described the present scenario as “the best time to start an airline,” amid heightened scrutiny of dominant market players.
He said an inquiry has been ordered, asserting that accountability would be ensured. “An example will be set not just for them but for all in the aviation sector. If there is any mis-compliance, we will take strict action,” he noted.
The minister clarified that recent guideline changes, under High Court directions from November 1, required airlines to make adjustments to ensure pilot safety and strengthen aviation standards. “We care for the safety of pilots and the entire system,” he said, adding that Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs) are in place for passenger protection.
Ram Mohan Naidu also stated that no action has been taken under pressure and that temporary abeyance to IndiGo was granted keeping passengers’ interests in mind. Stern action will follow based on the committee’s findings.
The crisis continued for the seventh day with over 450 flights cancelled across India, including 134 at Delhi, 127 at Bengaluru, 71 at Chennai, 77 at Hyderabad, and cancellations at Jammu and Srinagar.
According to IndiGo, the disruption was triggered by a shortage of cockpit crew following full implementation of Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms. The government temporarily stayed the rule, and the airline aims to restore normal operations by December 10.