Minister vows 'very strict' action to set an example

CIVIL AVIATION MINISTER K Rammohan Naidu on Monday promised strict action against IndiGo for the nationwide flight disruptions, saying the government would set an example for all airlines.

- NITIN KUMAR

Naidu said in the Rajya Sabha the complete disarray in the airline was the result of its internal rostering and operational lapses, and had not been caused by the new flight duty time limitations (FDTL) norms.

"We are conducting an inquiry and will take very strict action. We will set an example for all airlines that if there is any mis-compliance, noncompliance, or non-adherence by any person, entity, organization, or operator functioning in civil aviation, we will take very strict action," Naidu asserted.

The minister’s firm stand came on a day when the shares of the country’s largest airline took a nosedive — by nearly 9%.

ON MONDAY, THE stock plunged 8.62% to settle at ₹4,907.50 apiece on the NSE. The shares have been on a losing streak since November 28, when they closed at about ₹5,901 apiece. In the last seven sessions, the stock has slipped by 17%.