Thousands of passengers are stranded due to IndiGo flight cancellations. A plea has been filed before the Delhi High Court and Supreme Court seeking urgent action, refunds, and proper assistance for affected travelers.
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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India has expressed concern over the ongoing flight disruptions by IndiGo Airlines, which have left thousands of passengers stranded at airports across the country. The bench, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, noted the potential risks for travelers, including those with urgent health needs.
“We understand that lakhs of people are stranded at airports. While the government has taken action, the situation is serious,”
CJI Surya Kant said during Monday’s hearing.
During the hearing, the Court acknowledged that the Government of India is aware of the crisis and has acted accordingly, leading the bench to decline urgent listing of the petition. The Court stated that the situation, while serious, does not require immediate judicial intervention at this moment.
A counsel representing passengers highlighted IndiGo’s operational challenges, including staff shortages and poor communication with customers. Passengers have reportedly received little to no updates regarding flight cancellations, intensifying the disruption.
Parallel Proceedings at Delhi High Court
A public interest litigation (PIL) has also been filed in the Delhi High Court, seeking court directives to ensure refunds for passengers affected by flight cancellations. The division bench of Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela acknowledged government efforts but agreed to hear the matter on Wednesday, ensuring further scrutiny of passenger grievances.
Causes of the IndiGo Flight Crisis
Several factors have contributed to the ongoing disruptions at IndiGo:
- Pilot Shortage: The airline has struggled to maintain adequate staffing levels.
- Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) Challenges: IndiGo’s difficulties in implementing the new FDTL regulations have further strained operations.
In response, the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted temporary exemptions to IndiGo to manage the crisis. Despite these measures, flight cancellations continue at major airports, affecting thousands of travelers daily.
The ongoing disruptions have created widespread inconvenience, with passengers reporting:
- Stranding at airports with minimal assistance
- Difficulty obtaining refunds for canceled flights
- Lack of timely updates from the airline
Travelers with urgent work commitments or health emergencies are particularly affected, highlighting the human cost of the operational failures.
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