DGCA Sets Up Committee to Investigate IndiGo Flight Cancellations

The government stressed that the primary objective of the investigation is to ensure accountability and prevent recurrence of similar incidents in the future. File Photo.

The government has ordered a high-level probe for the massive flight cancellations by IndiGo over the last few days to examine the lapses and accountability reasons. The Civil Aviation Ministry said the inquiry is focused on the identification of lapses and recommending measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has constituted a four-member committee to conduct the investigation. The head of the panel is Joint Director General Sanjay K. Bramhane, and the panel includes Deputy DG Amit Gupta, Capt. Kapil Manglik, and Capt. Lokesh Rampal. The committee will examine the circumstances which caused cancellations and will submit a report to the ministry.

IndiGo is India’s largest airline. It cancelled nearly 1,000 flights over a period of the last four days. It caused significant inconvenience to thousands of passengers. The cancellations disrupted travel plans across major cities and raised questions about the airline’s operational planning and readiness and efficiency.

According to the ministry, the inquiry is to understand the sequence of events that caused the massive disruption. It will also assess the measures adopted by the airline to address operational challenges during the period. The government stressed that the primary objective of the investigation is to ensure accountability and prevent recurrence of similar incidents in the future.

This inquiry is after widespread criticism and media coverage highlighting the scale of cancellations and the challenges faced by passengers. The DGCA’s intervention highlights the government’s concern over the situation and commitment towards maintaining operational standards in the aviation sector.

The outcome of the high-level inquiry is expected to provide a detailed assessment of the operational lapses and give recommendations to strengthen monitoring and regulatory measures. According to the ministry, required corrective action will be taken based on the report of the committee to safeguard passenger interests and ensure smoother, seamless functioning of airlines.

The government’s decision for inquiry is a proactive approach towards addressing operational failures in India’s civil aviation sector and highlights the importance of regulatory oversight and accountability in ensuring reliable air travel.

Source: Hindustan Times