• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

IndiGo Flight Crisis: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has given IndiGo’s Accountable Manager and Chief Executive Officer a one-time 24-hour extension to respond to its show-cause notice issued on December 6. The request for more time was submitted on December 7, with the airline citing operational constraints due to the widespread disruption across airports and the scale of its nationwide network.

After reviewing the request, the DGCA allowed the airline to file its response until 6 PM on December 8. The regulator made it clear that no further extension would be granted.

In its letter seeking more time, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers wrote, "We request your good offices to kindly grant us an extension of time at least till 1800 hours tomorrow (i.e. 08.12.2025), or such other extended period to reply, as deemed fit."

ALSO READ: IndiGo Flight Status Live Updates: Airline Gets Entension Till 6 PM Tomorrow To Respond To DGCA's Notice

Regulator Flags Major Operational Gaps

The show-cause notice is the second sent to IndiGo in connection with the ongoing flight disruptions, which have led to large-scale delays and cancellations. The DGCA said the primary cause of the crisis was the airline’s failure to prepare adequately for the revised Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) for pilots and cabin crew.

According to the regulator, the lapses point to significant weaknesses in “planning, oversight and resource management”. The DGCA said the issues appear to violate Rule 42A of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, as well as Civil Aviation Requirements related to duty limits, flight times and mandatory rest periods. The notice also criticised the airline for not providing essential information and assistance to passengers during cancellations, delays and denied boarding.

Airline Processes Refunds, Expects Stability by 10 December

IndiGo cancelled more than 650 flights on Sunday, the sixth day of disruptions, even as it worked to gradually restore operations. The airline has refunded over Rs 610 crore to affected passengers. Its parent company, InterGlobe Aviation, has formed a Crisis Management Group to supervise recovery efforts. IndiGo has said it expects normal operations to return by 10 December.

ALSO READ: From Food To Hotel Stays: Key DGCA Rules For Flight Delays And Cancellations, Refund Eligibility, And Passenger Rights

Operations Improving Nationwide, Says Ministry

The civil aviation ministry stated that air travel across India is stabilising. IndiGo operated 706 flights on Friday, 1,565 on Saturday, and was expected to operate around 1,650 by Sunday evening. Nearly 3,000 delayed bags have been returned to passengers. Around 650 flights remain cancelled as recovery continues.

Also In News