IndiGo, India’s largest airline, has been ordered to trim its upcoming winter flight schedule by 10%. The need for the aviation ministry to issue this order arose from severe operational chaos. The airline, which operates over 2,200 flights daily and holds more than 60% of India’s domestic market, faced considerable scrutiny after canceling over 3,000 flights last week due to poor pilot roster planning. This unprecedented crisis had thousands of passengers stranded, and necessitated an unprecedented government response.
In response, federal Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu had to call IndiGo’s CEO, Peter Elbers to heel. This decisive action served to highlight the immediacy of the crisis. Elbers was pressed on how the airline would resolve its continued operational challenges and handle hurt and angry customers. So said Elbers in an upbeat video note posted on X this Tuesday. He proudly declared that things are “totally stabilized” following those thousands of recent cancellations.
All this said, even with the hardships IndiGo faced, the airline will continue to fly to all of its previously operated destinations. The schedule cut that DOT forced could lead to over 200 daily flights being canceled. The airline needs to provide its new flight schedule to federal regulators by the end of business on Wednesday.
“The government’s move may benefit passengers in the long term but for now they might have to pay more.” – Sanat Kaul
IndiGo’s share prices have fallen by 15% since December 1. This downturn has investors on edge, as increasing operational costs, including the impact of increased crew costs from new regulations, are starting to be a major concern. Analysts expect further repercussions for the airline.
Aviation Analyst Mark Martin noted, “IndiGo will face more penalties for its actions in the days ahead,” indicating that regulatory scrutiny may intensify as the airline works to recover from its recent turmoil.