New Delhi, Dec 5: The Ministry of Civil Aviation on Friday announced a series of urgent interventions to address widespread disruptions in airline operations, particularly those affecting Indigo flights. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s (DGCA) Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) orders have been placed in abeyance with immediate effect to ease the situation without compromising air safety.
According to the ministry, multiple operational directives have been issued to airlines to restore normal flight schedules at the earliest. The government expects visible stabilisation in operations by tomorrow, with complete restoration anticipated within three days.
To assist passengers during the disruption, airlines have been instructed to issue timely and accurate updates through improved online tracking systems. Full refunds for cancelled flights will be processed automatically, eliminating the need for passenger requests. Travellers stranded due to long delays will be provided hotel accommodation arranged directly by the airlines.
Special measures have been mandated for senior citizens and differently abled passengers, including lounge access and dedicated assistance. Refreshments and essential services will also be made available to all travellers affected by delays.
The ministry has set up a 24×7 control room to monitor the situation and coordinate swift corrective action. Passengers may contact the helpline numbers 011-24610843, 011-24693963 and 096503-91859 for support.
High-Level Inquiry Initiated
The government has ordered a high-level inquiry into the disruption to determine what led to the breakdown in Indigo’s operations. The probe will examine accountability and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Government Assures Full Support
Reiterating the Centre’s commitment to passenger welfare, the minister said the government remains in continuous consultation with airlines and stakeholders. He added that all necessary steps — including regulatory relaxations permitted by DGCA — are being taken to restore stable airline operations at the earliest.
Passenger care, safety and convenience will continue to remain the government’s highest priority, the statement said.
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