Govt blinks on rules to end IndiGo chaos

Normalcy expected in 3 days; DGCA to probe lapses

- NITIN KUMAR

CIVIL AVIATION MINISTER Ram Mohan Naidu on Friday said complete normalcy in flight operations is expected within the next three days, announcing that the new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) rules have been placed in abeyance with immediate effect to curb the cascading crisis triggered by IndiGo’s crew shortage.

“With initiation of various operational steps, flight schedules are expected to begin to stabilise and return to normal by Saturday,” he said, adding that the rollback of FDTL Phase-II norms was aimed solely at stabilising services for passengers caught in the disruption.

The minister also ordered a high-level inquiry into the airline’s handling of the situation and issued fresh directions to IndiGo to mitigate passenger inconvenience. Airlines must now ensure automatic full refunds for all cancellations, hotel accommodation for stranded passengers, and lounge access for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Regular and accurate online updates have been mandated and a 24-7 control room has been activated by the ministry to oversee real-time corrective action.