SpiceJet to add 100 daily flights amid IndiGo cancellations
What's the story
IndiGo Airlines has been facing severe disruptions for the ninth consecutive day, with over 70 fresh cancellations on Wednesday. Most of these were at Bengaluru airport, where 35 arriving and 26 departing flights were canceled, ANI reported. Additionally, 10 flights set to depart from the Ahmedabad airport were canceled. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has summoned IndiGo's CEO, Pieter Elbers, to present detailed information about the operational disruptions.
Market response
SpiceJet expands operations amid IndiGo disruptions
In response to the ongoing crisis at IndiGo, SpiceJet has announced plans to add up to 100 additional daily flights during the winter schedule. The airline said it is witnessing strong demand and wants to ensure there is enough capacity in the market. This comes after the government ordered IndiGo to cut 10% of its flight routes to stabilize operations amid ongoing disruptions.
Regulatory action
DGCA issues fresh notice to IndiGo
The DGCA has issued a fresh notice to IndiGo, reducing 5% of its flight operations as a penalty for not operating planned schedules. The airline had earlier requested more time to respond to an earlier show-cause notice from the DGCA over large-scale operational disruptions. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said the problems were linked to IndiGo's internal crew rostering and operational planning.
Customer response
IndiGo CEO confirms refunds, faces criticism
Elbers has confirmed that all refunds for canceled flights till December 6 have been completed, and a "strict instruction" was given regarding expediting remaining refunds. However, the airline's handling of the situation has drawn criticism from various quarters. Speaking to ANI, Congress leader Supriya Shrinate said, "The IndiGo flights are not working for regular passengers, but the nightclub in Goa... There is such a big monopoly in the aviation sector that you (the aviation minister) had to kneel."
Public response
Special trains, protests amid IndiGo disruptions
In light of the frequent flight cancellations, special Vande Bharat trains have been announced between New Delhi and Udhampur by the Jammu division of Northern Railways. Passengers stranded at airports have also protested against IndiGo's service disruptions. Meanwhile, the Airline Pilots' Association of India has been invited to brief a Parliamentary Standing Committee on concerns related to pilot fatigue and safety risks in the aviation sector.