Srinagar, Dec 6: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Saturday issued a strict 24-hour show-cause notice to IndiGo Airlines after days of severe flight disruptions caused widespread inconvenience and distress to passengers across multiple airports.
According to the notice, the DGCA said IndiGo’s large-scale operational failures stemmed from the airline’s inability to make adequate arrangements required under the revised Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms despite the guidelines being duly approved.
The regulator stated that the disruptions indicate “significant lapses in planning, oversight and resource management,” amounting to prima facie non-compliance with Rule 42A of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, and the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) governing flight crew duty hours and mandatory rest periods.
The notice further pointed out that IndiGo failed to provide mandatory facilities and timely information to affected passengers, as required under CAR provisions dealing with flight delays, cancellations, and denied boarding.
Holding the airline’s CEO directly responsible for ensuring reliable operations, the DGCA said the leadership had failed to put timely measures in place, resulting in mass inconvenience to travellers.
IndiGo has been directed to respond within 24 hours, explaining why enforcement action should not be taken. The DGCA warned that failure to reply within the deadline will result in the case being decided ex parte.
