IndiGo Crisis Deepens: Tharoor Says Airline “Let Down the Public” as Over 500 Flights Cancelled Nationwide
India’s largest airline, IndiGo, is facing nationwide backlash after over 500 flights were cancelled in a single day, triggering chaos across major airports. The disruption — one of the worst in recent aviation memory — has left thousands of passengers stranded, prompting political reactions and government intervention.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor strongly criticised the airline, stating that IndiGo needs “serious introspection” for mishandling the transition to new pilot duty regulations. He also backed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), saying the regulator had issued “plenty of warning” to the airline.
Why Did IndiGo Collapse? New Rules, Poor Staffing, Planning Gaps
The meltdown is linked to new DGCA regulations that:
- Increase weekly pilot rest from 36 to 48 hours
- Limit pilots to two night landings per week (previously six)
IndiGo admitted the cancellations were caused by “misjudgment and planning gaps”, as the airline failed to hire and roster enough pilots to meet the new requirements.
This oversight triggered widespread operational collapse.
Tharoor: “They Have Let Down the Public”
Speaking to reporters, Shashi Tharoor said:
“This is most unfortunate. DGCA gave plenty of warning… the airlines had to hire more pilots but failed to do so, inflicting chaos on the travelling public.”
He added:
“The airline needs serious introspection. They have let down the public.”
Nationwide Impact: Metro Airports Hit Worst
IndiGo, which handles nearly two-thirds of India’s domestic air traffic, grounded over 500 flights, including:
- 235 cancellations in Delhi
- 104 in Mumbai
- 102 in Bengaluru
- 92 in Hyderabad
- Chennai suspended all IndiGo flights to major
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
