New Delhi, 7 December (H.S.): The central government has taken strong exception to the recent turbulence in India’s aviation sector, holding IndiGo’s management directly accountable for the operational disorder that disrupted services across several airports.Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Kisan Mohol said IndiGo ignored the Flight Duty Time Limit (FDTL) regulations approved by the Delhi High Court, leading to large-scale disruptions and severe inconvenience to passengers.

The court had directed airlines to reduce the maximum crew duty hours from ten to eight.Mohol noted that the ministry had instructed airlines to implement these new limits in two phases — July 1, 2025, and November 1, 2025 — but IndiGo allegedly failed to comply seriously.

Following the crisis, the Civil Aviation Ministry and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) quickly formed a four-member investigation committee and set up a 24×7 control room to monitor the situation.The government has now extended the deadline for FDTL implementation to February 2026, while the DGCA has issued a show-cause notice to IndiGo’s CEO, asking for an explanation within 24 hours.

Calling passengers’ frustration “completely justified,” Minister Mohol assured that strict action would follow once the probe report is submitted. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring normal flight operations at the earliest.In a related move, the government has also issued a new fare regulation list to curb the sudden hike in air ticket prices.

Passengers affected by recent cancellations will receive full refunds without any cancellation fees, and airlines have been ordered to return lost baggage within 48 hours.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar