Govt Warns IndiGo: Union Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Says Strict Action Will Set Example for All Airlines
India’s biggest aviation disruption in recent memory has put IndiGo under intense scrutiny, and the government has made it clear that accountability is coming. Union aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu told Parliament that the airline’s massive operational breakdown stemmed from an “internal crisis,” and strict action will follow once the ongoing probe concludes.
“Guests who may have booked Air India flights in economy class during the transition period, at base fares above the prescribed caps, are entitled to refunds of the differential amounts,” Air India said.
“We are not taking this situation easily. We are conducting an inquiry. We will take very, very strict action not only for this situation but also (to set) an example. The revised flight duty time limitation (FDTL) was introduced after a high court order in April 2025. Of the 22 guidelines, 15 were implemented on July 1 and the remaining seven on Nov 1. Multiple consultations were held with all stakeholders, including IndiGo, and rules had to be followed without any compromise on safety.”
He also noted that of the 22 FDTL guidelines, 15 were implemented in July and the remaining seven on November 1 after court directives. The DGCA, he added, “has been in continuous discussions with airlines since FDTL came fully into force, and had granted limited exemptions based on operational variations and safety assessments.”
As the probe progresses, the crisis is shaping up to be a turning point for how airlines handle compliance, crew management and passenger responsibility, ensuring such a breakdown doesn’t repeat anytime soon.
IndiGo’s Internal Lapse Triggers Unprecedented Turmoil
The disruption, which the minister called an “internal crisis” within IndiGo, has led to one of the largest operational breakdowns in recent years. Despite repeated consultations on revised Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL), IndiGo failed to flag any warning signs. The minister pointed out that issues surfaced almost a month after the final phase of FDTL guidelines took effect on November 1, making it clear the airline was expected to manage crew rosters proactively.Air India, AI Express Offer Refund Relief
While IndiGo struggles to stabilise, Air India and Air India Express have stepped in with a customer-friendly move. Both airlines announced that passengers, subject to conditions, who paid above government-approved fare caps may be eligible for refunds.“Guests who may have booked Air India flights in economy class during the transition period, at base fares above the prescribed caps, are entitled to refunds of the differential amounts,” Air India said.
Govt Asserts Strong Oversight, No Compromise on Safety
In the Rajya Sabha, the minister reiterated that the government is fully committed to enforcing rules and ensuring safety.“We are not taking this situation easily. We are conducting an inquiry. We will take very, very strict action not only for this situation but also (to set) an example. The revised flight duty time limitation (FDTL) was introduced after a high court order in April 2025. Of the 22 guidelines, 15 were implemented on July 1 and the remaining seven on Nov 1. Multiple consultations were held with all stakeholders, including IndiGo, and rules had to be followed without any compromise on safety.”
He also noted that of the 22 FDTL guidelines, 15 were implemented in July and the remaining seven on November 1 after court directives. The DGCA, he added, “has been in continuous discussions with airlines since FDTL came fully into force, and had granted limited exemptions based on operational variations and safety assessments.”
Passengers Face the Brunt: Lakhs of Bookings Cancelled
The ministry revealed the scale of the fallout.- Between December 1 and 7, about 5.9 lakh PNRs were cancelled, leading to refunds of ₹570 crore.
- From November 21 to December 21, cancellations touched over 9.5 lakh PNRs, with ₹827 crore refunded.
Flights Resume Gradually but with Heavy Cancellations
According to the ministry, IndiGo planned to operate 1,802 flights across 137 out of 138 destinations, but 500 flights were still cancelled on Monday, indicating partial recovery but ongoing turbulence.Message to the Industry: Accountability Matters
The government stressed that it cares for “pilots, crew and passengers,” and expects airlines to manage operations responsibly. “We are not taking the situation lightly,” the minister said, underscoring that the response will serve as a precedent for the entire sector.As the probe progresses, the crisis is shaping up to be a turning point for how airlines handle compliance, crew management and passenger responsibility, ensuring such a breakdown doesn’t repeat anytime soon.
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