Not aware of DGCA probe: IndiGo amid hundreds of flight cancellations
The Indian aviation industry has been witnessing a significant surge in demand over the past year, with many airlines struggling to keep up with the increasing number of passengers. However, one of the largest airlines in the country, IndiGo, has been facing a major crisis in recent days. The airline has been forced to cancel hundreds of flights across major Indian airports, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. The sudden spate of cancellations has raised concerns among regulators, with reports suggesting that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a probe into the matter.
However, in a surprising turn of events, IndiGo has denied reports about the DGCA launching a probe into its recent wave of large-scale flight cancellations. The airline said it “isn’t aware” of any investigation amid the cancellation of its 200 flights across major Indian airports in the span of three days. The airline, however, added that it is providing the requested details to DGCA regarding the disruptions.
The cancellations, which started on February 27, have been attributed to a combination of factors, including crew shortages, bad weather, and air traffic control issues. The airline has been facing a severe shortage of pilots, with many of its crew members going on leave due to fatigue and other health issues. The situation has been exacerbated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in a significant increase in the number of passengers traveling by air.
The DGCA, which is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing the aviation industry in India, has been monitoring the situation closely. The regulator has been in touch with IndiGo and other airlines to ensure that they are taking necessary steps to minimize disruptions and provide adequate compensation to affected passengers. However, despite reports suggesting that the DGCA has launched a probe into the matter, IndiGo claims that it is not aware of any such investigation.
“We are not aware of any probe by the DGCA,” an IndiGo spokesperson said. “We are providing the requested details to the regulator regarding the disruptions and are working closely with them to ensure that our operations are back to normal as soon as possible.” The airline has also assured passengers that it is taking all necessary steps to minimize the impact of the cancellations and is providing adequate compensation to those affected.
The cancellation of flights has resulted in significant inconvenience to passengers, with many being forced to wait for hours or even days for their flights to be rescheduled. The situation has also resulted in a significant increase in airfares, with many airlines taking advantage of the situation to hike their prices. The DGCA has warned airlines against taking unfair advantage of the situation and has assured passengers that it is monitoring the situation closely to ensure that their rights are protected.
The Indian aviation industry has been witnessing a significant surge in demand over the past year, with many airlines struggling to keep up with the increasing number of passengers. The industry has been facing a severe shortage of pilots, with many airlines struggling to recruit and retain crew members. The situation has been exacerbated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in a significant increase in the number of passengers traveling by air.
The DGCA has been working closely with airlines to address the issue of pilot shortages and has taken several steps to ensure that the industry is able to meet the increasing demand for air travel. The regulator has also been working to improve the overall safety and efficiency of the industry, with a focus on ensuring that airlines are able to provide safe and reliable services to passengers.
In conclusion, the cancellation of hundreds of flights by IndiGo has resulted in significant inconvenience to passengers and has raised concerns among regulators. While the airline has denied reports about the DGCA launching a probe into the matter, it is clear that the regulator is monitoring the situation closely. The Indian aviation industry is facing significant challenges, including pilot shortages and increasing demand, and it is essential that airlines and regulators work together to address these issues and ensure that passengers are able to travel safely and reliably.