The IndiGo crisis continues, and the airline cancelled over 500 flights from key airports on Monday. According to the civil aviation ministry, close to six lakh passengers were impacted by a wave of flight cancellations by India's key domestic airline operator.
The Union civil aviation minsitry on Monday said the airline has so far disbursed Rs 827 crore in refunds to passengers affected by the airline's erratic flight cancellations. The ministry added the airline has also delivered about 4,500 pieces of baggage to affected passengers. According to the ministry, 5.8 lakh passengers were affected by the chaose caused by IndiGo.
Addressing the Rajya Sabha on Monday, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu held the airline solely responsible for the crisis. "IndiGo’s internal system was responsible for the crisis," the minister said in the house. "We are not taking this situation easily. We are doing an inquiry. We will take very, very strict action not only for this situation but also as an example," the Union minister said.
According to IndiGo, the airline's board formed a crisis management group (CMG) on December to address the current situation. "CMG meets every day to closely monitor all matters relating to present situation," it said. The CMG listed "restoring 100 per cent operational integrity" as one of its top priorities.
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Meanwhile, top executives of the airline are expected to respond to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation's (DGCA) showcause notice by 6pm on Monday. On Sunday, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers said they operated close to 1,600 flights on Sunday.
According to reports, the Parliamentary Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture is likely to summon IndiGo's top executives and civil aviaition ministry officials and seek an explanation.
